Page 81 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

153| A SUpERB EDO SChOOL WOOD
NETSUKE OF AN ONI AT SETSUBUN
Unsigned
Japan, Edo, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A superbly crafted wood netsuke of profound sculptural quality
depicting a dynamic image of an oni being pelted with roasted
soybeans during Setsubun. The oni is kneeling with one leg bent
and is reaching with his right hand over his shoulder to remove one
152| A pOWERFUL EDO SChOOL WOOD of the inlaid ivory beans which cover his back. His horns and fangs
NETSUKE OF AN ONI STIRRING MISO are inlaid in ivory as well, and his eyes are double inlays of ivory and
dark horn. The expression is certainly quite enigmatic, he does not
Unsigned look terrified but somewhat confident with a haunting expression,
Japan, Edo, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) after all this is certainly a distinctly muscular and powerful
specimen. Good, functional ‘chimney-like’ himotoshi through the
underside and back. The wood of a fine color with a superb patina.
Powerfully sculpted as an oni dressed only in a loincloth and
holding a suribachi between his legs, stirring miso. The oni has Setsubun is celebrated during the first day of spring, or the end of
finely carved long hair, pronounced muscles and a defined spine, the new year in Edo period Japan, and includes the rite of oni-yarai
and his fangs, eyes and horns are inlaid in ivory. Large, functional or mame-maki, where roasted beans are thrown at oni to rid the
himotoshi through the underside of the suribachi and oni. coming year of any demons and disease-bringing spirits.
HEIGHT 3.8 cm, LENGTH 4.5 cm HEIGHT 4.5 cm
Condition: Very good condition with an excellent patina and age- Condition: The leftmost claw of the left foot has been chipped.
related surface wear. Otherwise excellent condition with a beautiful patina.
Provenance: British private estate. Provenance: British private estate.
Estimate EUR 3.000,- Estimate EUR 4.000,-
Starting price EUr 1.500,- Starting price EUr 2.000,-

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