Turtle Snake Netsuke

A small figurine of a turtle. A snake has coiled itself around the center of the turtle. The netsuke is on a white fabric doily on a wood table.
The turtle netsuke from the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: Japan
Year: ca. 1890s
Materials: Wood 

This netsuke is another testament to Japanese craftmanship, where the piece is designed to be attractive sitting on a shelf or hanging about the waist. The tortoise is used often in Japanese culture and was sometimes a symbol at weddings, and a symbol of longevity. In Chinese and Japanese culture, a turtle wrapped in a snake could have different meanings. In Chinese art, this is called the Black Tortoise and represents the Northern Constellations. In Japan, there was a myth called Genbu, that a figure of a tortoise wrapped in a snake protected Kyoto’s north side.

This piece was likely purchased by the Harris Family on their trip to Kyoto in November 1897.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.