Fuchi fellow, what’s he doing?

[cspage]

Does anyone have any idea what this fellow on the fuchi is doing? The kashira matches in style and all else and has a rider on a horse on a bridge. But this is some mysterious activity, or I am missing something critical? Fishing? Collecting sea shells? Offering a gourd of sake to the sky? Being sucked down by a whirlpool? Offering sake to the sky while being sucked down by a whirlpool after falling off his horse from the bridge? Maybe there’s a myth about that. If I had money, I would pay for an accurate interpretation, or even one that is logical…but of course, I have no money. Any opinion welcome. Thank you all.

Ps. Any tips on cleaning, or not cleaning Fuchi Kashira, would also be welcome. You guys are great.

Colin

[Brian]

Riding a dragon through the waves while blowing a horn.

I have a good quality fuchi somewhere showing this theme too. Can't remember the tale right now, but there is one. I think I posted it a while back, so will search the forum for the post.

 

Brian

[cspage]

Wow, Brian! You're right. Even after reading your answer it took me awhile to see the dragon, but sure enough, there it is. If I ever come into money, you get some. Thank you! Pretty impressive. I just couldn't figure out what all those forms were around him. But there it is. Great!

 

Colin

[Stephen]

Thats funny i was going thru my Edo book to look up a dragon for my sons friend, this is what i printed up for him, same story i think, as Brian said i use to think it was a horn, after this pic i think its a alms bowl. May be wrong.

[Brian]

Stephen,

Good find, and yes, I think you are right. I seem to remember being corrected that it was a bowl of alms, and not a horn. Will have to lok through the legends book to find the story.

 

Brian

[IanB]

Colin, As I remember the legend, the sage on the horse loses his shoe whilst crossing the bridge and it is returned by the deity on the dragon. The whole story with names is in 'Legends in Japanese Art' by Joly but some ******* borrowed mine years ago and didn't return it.

Ian Bottomley

[Brian]

Ian,

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=2549

Look though the list. There is a free, full version scan of the book. Not as good as having it, but at least you still have all the info.

 

Brian

[IanB]

Colin, Brian, Yup I was right. See the entry in Joly about Chorio on page 41 et seq. The guy on the horse is Kosekiko.

Ian

[cspage]

Excellent. Thank you all. I am continually being amazed at what a great resource this site is. Do any of you have any suggestions about the care of fuchi kashira? Or should I just leave well enough alone?

 

Colin