Namazu-e (Catfish prints)

Namazu-e are nishiki-e that primarily depict namazu (catfish), believed to cause earthquakes. The term generally refers to prints published after the Ansei Edo earthquake, which struck Edo on the night of the 2nd day of the 10th month of Ansei 2 (November 11, 1855). Many works anthropomorphize the catfish, and recurring motifs include oni (demons), Ebisu, Daikokuten, craftsmen, foundation stone, gourds, sacred horses, and Kashima Daimyojin.