Tokuzo yells in reply, ‘My profession is the most horrible thing I know!’ The answer apparently satisfies the monster as he then disappears along with the storm.”
“The ocean dwelling spirit — so called because of his smooth monk-like round head — is said to capsize the ship of anyone who dares speak to it. The specific tale illustrated in Kuniyoshi's woodblock tells of a sailor Kawanaya Tokuzo, who…
despite it being considered unlucky in the world of seafaring, decides to go to sea on the last day of the year. A terrible storm breaks out, and the giant figure of the Umibōzu appears. Against the roar of the waves the apparition asks, ‘Name the most horrible thing you know!’
Part of Nikki McClarron's photo series for Norlha, a yak khullu atelier from the Tibetan plateau. All pieces are spun and created by nomads, or members of nomad families.
The Fayaz Tepe complex is a Buddhist archaeological site in Bactria, within southern Uzbekistan. Invasion by Sassanids in the 3rd century BC led to destruction of several Buddhist temples, including the Fayaz Tepe. It is now under restoration.