In Japanese mythology, the Namazu is a giant underground catfish who causes earthquakes. It lives under the Japanese islands and is guarded by the god, Takemikazuchi, who restrains the catfish with a giant boulder. When Takemikazuchi gets distracted or dazes off, the Namazu thrashes about, causing violent earthquakes.

In 1855, the Japanese capital of Edo was struck by the Great Ansei Earthquake. Within days, namazu-e ("namazu catfish pictures") became popular among the residents of the shaken city. In addition to providing some black humor and social commentary, many prints claimed to offer protection from future earthquakes.  

You'll receive a heavyweight, giclée, acid-free print that's created to last for generations. The museum-quality paper works perfectly with large, full-color images. The lightly-textured, matte finish captures fine lines and subtle colors, resulting in stunning works of art (without unwanted reflections). We've preserved elements of this art's ancient qualities in order to retain its richness and uniqueness. 

• Printed using eco-friendly, water-based inks
• FSC approved or sustainably-sourced paper
• Frame and matting isn't included. Print only.
• Shipped in a damage-proof artwork tube. 
• Premium-quality (200gsm) giclée, acid-free paper

➤ DIGITAL-RESTORATION ART

We specialize in digital recreations of vintage sacred and surreal art. Each work is a handmade digital restoration of the original image, not a pixellated copy of an Internet image that some other vendors may sell. We provide high-quality, clean digital restorations — true to the original — with great attention to detail.