noun
taotie; mythological Chinese creature
Refers to a gluttonous monster from Chinese mythology, often depicted as a motif on ancient bronze vessels. Used in historical and art-historical contexts.
この青銅器には饕餮文が刻まれている。
This bronze vessel is engraved with a taotie pattern.
noun
Archaic extended meaning derived from the creature's insatiable appetite. Rarely used in modern Japanese outside of classical or literary contexts.
古い文献では、饕餮は強欲の象徴として扱われることがある。
In old texts, 饕餮 is sometimes treated as a symbol of greed.