
Philip Hafferty
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Though it has met with severe criticism in recent years, there exists a long and complicated relationship between the Japanese, whales, and whaling. Looked upon as a cruel and unnecessary part of the Japanese diet, fisherman historically have mourned the death of the whales they hunt, performing memorial rites and erecting shrines in their honor. One such shrine stands at Suzaki Benten Shrine, near the sight of the "Whale Incident of Kansei (era)", where in 1798, a 55-foot (17-meter) whale became stranded on the shore of Shinagawa Bay. The incident caused such a sensation that people flocked from all over the Edo region for a glimpse of the creature, and even a private viewing was set up for Tokugawa Ienari, the 11th Shogun. Numerous artists recorded the incident in woodblock prints, paintings, lacquer, and poetry. For the background to the creation of this inrō, see lot 617.