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Baku

Netsuke, unsigned1800

Bristol Museums

Bristol Museums
United Kingdom

This mythical creature has an elephant’s trunk, the eyes of a rhinoceros, an ox’s tail and a tiger’s feet.
Japanese people believed that baku ate dreams and could prevent nightmares. They called on them for protection by calling out ‘eat it baku!’ (baku kurai) and painted the word baku on headrests to ensure a dreamless sleep.

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  • Title: Baku
  • Creator: Netsuke, unsigned
  • Date Created: 1800
  • Physical Dimensions: w 4.5 cm
  • Type: Netsuke
  • Rights: ©Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives
  • Medium: Narwhal tusk ivory
Bristol Museums

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