The Namazu is a giant catfish whose thrashing was thought to be the cause of Japans earthquakes! He was said to be restrained by the deity of swords and thunder Kashima who pinned him down with a boulder.
Unfortunately the God would occasionally lose his grip and an earthquake would occur!
 
In Japan catching a catfish with a gourd is a metaphor for an impossible task, given the slippery nature of the fish and the bottle gourds small opening.
 
This brooch features a variety of handcast swirled acrylics.
 
Brooch measures 8cm by 4.5cm