Study on the development of ancient Japanese turtle motifs
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Date
2022
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Abstract
Turtles/tortoises hold great significance in many ancient cultures. Often perceived as the foundation for the
beginning of things or an emblem of cosmos, they have a sacred role in mythologies, legends and
folklore around the world, especially so in
East and Southeast Asia. In Chinese culture, tortoises are generally viewed as a symbol of longevity, endurance, stability and wisdom because of their long lifespan and unique appearance.
In early modern and modern Japanese culture, turtles/tortoises with a tail made of seaweed and algae can be seen as a symbol of several legendary creatures and deities. Accompanied by a crane, they are favored, auspicious motifs appearing in visual arts, crafts and even in
modern-day popular culture. But what about ancient times? Besides turtle-shaped prehistoric objects, turtle motifs can be found on bronze bells, bronze mirrors, stone structures, carvings, textile art, frescos of burial mounds and other artifacts from ancient Japan.
How did people who lived in the Japanese archipelago during prehistoric and ancient times depict these animals? What cultural-historical
factors influenced the development of these peculiar motifs and mysteriously-shaped objects? In this paper, the author explores early Japanese depictions of turtles and tortoises from the middle Jōmon period to the Asuka period.
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japán régészet, japán művészettörténet, japán történelem
Citation
Lázár Marianna: Study on the development of ancient Japanese turtle motifs. In: ANNALS OF DIMITRIE CANTEMIR CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY. LINGUISTICS LITERATURE AND METHODOLOGY OF TEACHING. 2022. 21/1 164-180 p.