【National Treasure】
Ancient Divine Treasure, Property of the Wakamiya Deity
Pair of Cranes on the Shore
This pair of cranes was likely designed to hold chopsticks. It is thought that the cranes were displayed facing each other, with chopsticks placed across the base of the wings like a bridge. However, there is no clear record of the cranes’ purpose.
Stories and diaries from the Heian period (794–1185) that describe similar ornaments suggest that a pair of turtles may have accompanied the cranes. The motif of cranes and turtles is common in Japanese artworks such as traditional sumi-e ink paintings. It is an allusion to Mt. Penglai (Jp. Hōraisan), a mythical island associated with immortality. A crane is said to perch on Mt. Penglai, which itself sits on the back of an ancient turtle. Both turtles and cranes symbolize long life, and this ornament would have been appropriate for a celebratory feast or other commemorative event.
The cranes show masterful metalworking skill, particularly in the gentle curves of their necks and the engraving of their feathers and down. Working by natural light or sparse candlelight, a craftsman would have required considerable time to complete the pair.
この英語解説文は観光庁の地域観光資源の多言語解説整備支援事業で作成しました。