| Sazae-oni Shell | |
|---|---|
|
Origin |
Unknown |
|
Type |
Ornate shell-shaped trinket |
|
Effects |
Exchanges fertility for wealth |
|
Downsides |
Reversal upon reacquisition |
|
Activation |
Throwing into ocean |
|
Section |
|
| [Source] | |
Origin[]
Unlike many of the other artifacts recorded by Toriyama Sekien, the legendary Sazae-oni does not fit the profile of a tsukumogami. In legend, the Sazae-oni appears as a demonic creature that is formed when a turban snail reaches thirty years of age. In its most prominent story it is picked up by a pirate vessel disguised as a drowning woman. As thanks, the Sazae-oni offers physical relations with the men, during which she steals their reproductive organs. When the pirates threaten her with violence over this trickery, she barters with the captain. In return for returning their fertility, the Sazae-oni leaves with a large amount of plundered gold. This has led to the quote that "golden balls were bought with golden balls", a euphemistic term in Japan.
Despite the well documented stories of the artifact in question, it appears that Sekien had no idea where it was located during his lifetime, and it remains missing to this day.
Effects[]
When this ornate shell-like ornament is thrown into seawater it will immediately dissolve into the seafoam. The caster will be rendered spontaneously impotent and several golden nuggets will manifest at their feet. The quantity and size of gold depends on his original virility, with younger men being given more than older. It is unknown if the effect works with women, as there are no accounts of any attempting to use the artifact.
After use, the shell will reform and manifest on the nearest coastline, where it will remain fixed until picked up. The frequency in which it is located suggests it chooses a location where people are likely to come across it quickly. If, by chance, a person who has already used the artifact comes into contact with it again then their virility will be returned to them. In exchange, any remaining gold the possess as well as anything obtained with the wealth provided will turn into seafoam and dissolve along with the shell. This has been known to include material gains, property and even, in once case of hired mercenaries, living humans.
If a person has children and attempts to use the artifact, the effects are passed down the bloodline, rendering them all impotent and giving gold to all. Likewise, the effect will reverse if any member of the bloodline comes into possession of the artifact again.