Posted: August 16, 2011
In the Sea of Japan, there are crabs whose back shell plates look like portraits of samurai. A legend tells of medieval samurai who followed their emperor overboard just as their ship was to be captured by their enemies. Their ghosts transformed into these crabs to protect their emperor and the inland sea for all eternity. Learn the background behind this amazing story and see two intricate sculptures of the crabs when you visit Warriors, Guardians, and Demons in the Museum's Campbell Lobby.
Mythological and historical figures are popular subjects for Japanese artists, and a sample of wooden carvings donated by Museum Friend Fred Freund shows the incredible detail found in items created to adorn the home, the temple, or the human body. Other pieces in the exhibit include carvings of Oishi Kuranosuke, leader of the famous 47 Ronin (leaderless samurai); Jizo, the supernatural protector of children; and Shoki, the demon-killer.
An accompanying computer kiosk brings you even more information about Mr. Freund and the woodcarvings. Do an artifact search to see and learn more about all of the nearly 200 objects in the Freund Collection. Read about how Mr. Freund began this incredible collection. In videos, hear internationally renowned storyteller Dan Keding as he tells myths and legends related to artifacts in the exhibit.
Warriors, Guardians, and Demons will be on display until February 26, 2012.