Keywords: Murata Seimin - Eleven Turtles - Walters 541376.jpg Turtles were attractive as display objects in Japan because they were seen as symbols of long life and happiness These appear to be cast from actual specimens of the semi-aquatic species Mauremys Japonica Each was cast separately then pinned to the others Murata Seimin was highly acclaimed as a master metal caster and was famous for these turtles According to legend the turtles that he used were alive and one of his heirs suffered a painful death because of the turtles' curse ca 1818 1829 late Edo cast bronze cm 18 accession number 54 1376 36774 Kay Collection Sale Hotel Drouot Paris 1913 William T Walters Baltimore prior to 1884 pictured in 1884 gallery photograph mode of acquisition unknown Henry Walters city Baltimore Walters Art Museum Henry Walters Acquired by William T Walters before 1884 bunsei nen seimin chu; Translation Cast by Seimin Bunsei era 1818-29 The Allure of Bronze The Walters Art Gallery Baltimore 1995 place of origin Edo present-day Tokyo Japan Walters Art Museum license Art of Japan in the Walters Art Museum Murata Seimin Media contributed by the Walters Art Museum needs category review |