---
title: Japanese Kappa, a Water Sprite
author: Reikai
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19030/japanese-kappa-a-water-sprite/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2024-06-05
---

# Japanese Kappa, a Water Sprite

_Authored by Reikai_

## Image File

[![Japanese Kappa, a Water Sprite](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/19030.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/19030.jpg)

## Image Caption

Drawing of a Japanese [kappa](https://www.worldhistory.org/kappa/), supposedly caught in 1801 in Mito domain. Illustration from an 1836 copy by Reikai of *Suiko Kōryaku* by Koga Tōan.

The inscription reads:

> Height 3.5 shaku, weight 12 kamme. The chest protudes, the neck is short like a boar's, the back is bent.

Nishio [City](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) Iwase Library.

## Cite This Work

### APA
Reikai. (2024, June 05). Japanese Kappa, a Water Sprite. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19030/japanese-kappa-a-water-sprite/>
### Chicago
Reikai. "Japanese Kappa, a Water Sprite." *World History Encyclopedia*, June 05, 2024. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19030/japanese-kappa-a-water-sprite/>.
### MLA
Reikai. "Japanese Kappa, a Water Sprite." *World History Encyclopedia*, 05 Jun 2024, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19030/japanese-kappa-a-water-sprite/>.

## License & Copyright

[Original image](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kappa_water_imp_1836.jpg) by [**Reikai**](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kappa_water_imp_1836.jpg). Submitted by [Matthew Allison](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/matthewallison/ "User Page: Matthew Allison"), published on 05 June 2024. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Public Domain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain). This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.