Minogame – [Yokai|Charm]

Description

Minogame – (蓑亀) – [Yokai|Charm|Takaramono] – ‘straw raincoat turtle’

• About this yokai: An aged turtle, believed to have lived well over 10,000 years! These ancient turtles have beautiful green, brown or yellowed algae (or seaweed, if its a sea turtle.) coating their backs like a cloak. (it’s name comes from ‘Mino’ from the tails resemblance to straw raincoats!) These turtles are emblems; symbolic of longevity, good fortune & wisdom (often revered as a symbols of immortality!)

 

In many old artworks, Minogame are often seen swimming along side the seven lucky gods (Shichifukujins) treasure ship: the Takarabune. They also frequently appear in artwork having to do with the Takaramono & the Shichifukjin themselves. As emblems of knowledge and longevity they’re most closely related to (or seen as familiars of) Jurojin, Fukurokuju &/or Benzaiten. They are often illustrated or sculpted carrying a hoju (buddhist wishing jewels.) in tattoo art they’re often drawn with these in their tails or are seen carrying them on their backs!

One fairy tale which often directly involves a Minogame, is the famous “Urashima Taro” in which the hero saves a sea turtles life and is given a ride to the dragon kings palace at the bottom of the sea. (Ryūgū-jō) there he meets a princess named “kame-hime” (in more modern versions, this changed to be ‘Oto-hime’ instead.) he ends up spending a while at the palace and (in some versions marries the princess.) At the end of most versions of the tale; Taro returns home, but realizes that a far longer time has passed thannhe spent at the palace. (sometimes decades or even centuries) he opens the tomatebako, (a fancy makeup box called a “kushige”) which he was gifted from the princess, He was told never to open the lid, but was not explained why. When he does, its as if the centuries he missed hit him all at once and he is transformed into an old man! – However; in the Otogizoshi version of the story (a very early version, written sometime between in 1661-1672) instead of turning into a withered old man, when Taro opens the box he transforms into a crane & His wife, kamehime turns back into a Minogame!]  –

• Pop culture: If you’ve ever wondered why the Pokemon Wartortle has fluffy ears & a tail? -its design was directly inspired by Minogame! (The official pokedex entry even says that its tail is a symbol of longevity!)

 

Art sticker by samkalensky (yo that’s me!) part of my night parade of 100 demons sticker collection, follow and support for many more!