Kappa Mummy — Japan, 21st Century

This miniature mummy represents a kappa , one of the oldest and most feared supernatural beings in Japanese folklore. Its gaunt silhouette, elongated skull, and long limbs evoke these amphibious spirits living in rivers and ponds. Kappa belong to the yōkai family , creatures both mischievous and disturbing, capable of drowning the unwary or diverting waters, but also of protecting crops when appeased by offerings.

The object is part of the misemono (見世物), these popular exhibitions which appeared in the Edo period (17th–19th century) where natural curiosities, automatons, or fantastic relics supposed to prove the existence of yōkai were shown. Mummies of kappa , like those of mermaids or tengu, were presented in glass cases, accompanied by certificates sealed by temples or fairground workers. Their function was as much religious as spectacular: to give a glimpse of the invisible world at the heart of everyday life.

Made of papier-mâché and natural materials , this mummy continues this artisanal tradition of wonder. The slender body, visible ribs and bird's head accentuate the impression of in-betweenness - neither human nor animal. The burnished surface imitates dried skin , reinforcing the verisimilitude and the almost ritualistic dimension of the figure.

This work testifies to the Japanese taste for objects of curiosity, where the boundary between belief, art and science is erased to give form to the supernatural.

Papier-mâché and natural materials, Japan, 21st century.
Dimensions: H. 10.5 cm; L. 10 cm; D. 4 cm.