/update
On March 14 I'll be putting up another site article about a particular monster from world culture. Last time, it was the Nuckelavee. This time, it will be Japan's Sazaeoni! Send me your own illustration, sculpture, or anything at all of this monster - any medium, style, or quality - and it will go in a gallery on my website along with a link to your account, website or whatever you prefer. You can post them here, send them to me on AIM (scythemantis) or send them via e-mail (bogleech@hotmail.com) along with whatever link you want me to include.
THE MONSTER:
"Sazae" is a type of seashell, specifically that of the "turban shell" sea-snails, which are commonly eaten (we are talking about Japan, however, and we are talking about an animal that comes from water, so...duh). Here's some images of Sazae shells:
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200 years ago, famous spooky storyteller Toriyama Sekien created this print of a Sazae monster:
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Ever since, this creature has been reinterpreted countless times and considered one of Japan's classic Youkai demons:
[link] - this creative take is by the legendary WWII veteran and manga artist, Mizuki Shigeru, designed for his beloved creation, "Gegege no Kitarou."
[link] - Turban Shell monster from "Super Sentai," the show re-edited as "Power Rangers" in the states. Many of the original "Power Rangers" monsters were actually Youkai-based.
[link] - "Shellmon" from digimon is obviously a Sazaeoni.
According to current lore, Sazaeoni are usually (if not always) female, and are said to transform into beautiful women to fool seamen.
As you can see, this slimy monster varies wildly from one artist to the next, but the "Sazae" shell is its one MANDATORY feature. It is in its name, after all! Whatever monstrous being you can cram into that shell, you probably have a Sazaeoni.








I didn't take the time to clean up the scan like I usually do. Read the artist's comments for details.
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