Turtle Netsuke
You may notice that the turtle doesn’t look too happy here…that’s because Octopus, the attending physician of the Dragon King, sent him to steal a liver from a monkey, and he did not succeed. In some stories the liver is supposed to cure the king, and in some the queen, but in all the monkey is able to fool the turtle and escape.
At least I think that’s what’s behind these netsuke. There are many netsuke that feature other creatures on a turtle’s back. It could just be that the tortoise is a symbol of good luck and longevity in Japan, and the other animal and its attributes are along for the ride.
More turtles to come.
And don’t forget Draw-A-Bird Day is tomorrow, March 8.
I love them both! What mediums have you got in the octopus image? Colored pencil and charcoal, along with the ink? Love your colors on that toned paper.
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I have this set of creatacolor oil pencils in 6 neutral colors. And various ink/marker pens. They work well on toned paper.
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Ooh, sounds good. Lovely effect.
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I find that I use them a lot. Neutrals can be very soothing.
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Wow really cool!
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Thanks Lynn.
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So nice
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Fun! Heading out of town today for business but have my bird ready for tomorrow🐦
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I’ll look for it! Have a good trip.
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Thanks. 😊
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Awesome!!!! So cool!! Love the backstory…and these images are masterful! So good!! New fave! 😍
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Thanks Charlie. Hope you find a unique bird for tomorrow! There are some pretty strange looking chickens…
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I’ve got one in mind!! Had to choose between three front runners!! Hehe
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Wonderful drawing Kerfe, and interesting mythology. I guess because the turtle is slow but perseveres that makes him the best role model. I’m like the turtle these days, haha.
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I don’t know that the Japanese think of them as particularly slow, but their longevity is definitely seen as a positive!
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Another good attribute!
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Whatever they mean, I love both the drawings! They have so much character and liveliness even though they’re carvings. ❤
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Netsuke are really amazing. And they manage to include so much expression in each carving.
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That second turtle does look very down in the mouth. I’m inspired to do a drawing from this–“Socialite on a Turtle”. Okay to do?
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I’m smiling just thinking about it! Get to work.
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Love the drawings and thanks for the reminder, re: Draw a Bird Day. I will have mine ready. Have a great day.
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Thanks Susan, looking forward to seeing your bird.
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