Description

Sachihoko – 鯱鉾, しゃちほこ – [Yokai|Charm] – “Tiger fish”

• About this Yokai: A gigantic carp with a fierce; dragon or tiger-like face, these golden sea monster statues, can vary in both scale & material, (Sometimes made of Gold, Copper, Tile or Wood) proving the wealth or nobility of the constructor. (Most famous are the “kin sachi” (golden dolphins) of Nagoya castle.

Legend has it that Sachihoko had the ability to suck in vast amounts of water, holding it in its belly, they could summon clouds and thus control rain fall. As such, these ornaments are traditionally said to be charms said to protect wooden buildings from catching fire! – Essentially, its a yokai sprinkler system!

Interestingly, the Wakan Sanzai Zue (1712) describes the creature attacking whales mouths! – it’s noted that in the wild, these creatures where tasked with monitoring whales, ensuring that they would only eat smaller fish! – In the modern day, Shachi (鯱) means “orca” or “killer whale” No doubt, the animal was named for the similarity between the two!