Large Takosubo (Octopus Pot)

A larger (8 1/2”) takosubo (literally, “octopus pot.” Traditionally, these traps were laid out in the intertidal zone, where they would provide a temporary refuge for unsuspecting octopuses. At low tide, the fisherman would collect them, and plop the poor cephalopod into his or her basket. This example is very old, hand-formed from wild clay. There is apparently one potter left in Japan making wheel-thrown takosobo, but octopus traps are usually made of plastic now.

If you look up “takosubo” you will mostly find references to takosubo cardiomyopathy (“broken heart syndrome”). In a nutshell, this is a condition that sometimes affects people who have experienced sudden, high levels of stress. The left ventricle of the heart contracts dramatically, forming a shape which Japanese cardiologists compared to an octopus pot. This often happens to otherwise healthy people after the loss of a loved one, thus the poetic sobriquet.

The image of octopuses nestling, peaceful and content in their little caves, was not lost on Matsuo Bashō — the great poet, and insightful observer of the human condition.

Mere octopus traps,

Evanescent dreams beneath

A midsummer moon.

蛸壺やはかなき夢を夏の月

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