An ivory netsuke of an oni seated in a shallow basket filled with water and washing himself with a towel. One leg is tucked under his body and the other is hanging out. The muscular oni has long curly hair and short and sharp horns and the facial expression is magnificently detailed and remarkably sensitive and benevolent, which is unusual for depictions of oni. The oni is figuratively washing himself from his sins against Buddhism, the waraji next to the bucket are another indication of the ‘humanity’ of the devil. The underside with the oni’s loincloth and the two himotoshi, as well as the signature MASAKA to. Works by Kihodo Masaka were bought by the Meiji Emperor, Prince Komatsu and Prince Arisuga.

Category:

Netsuke

Subcategory:

-

Subject:

Mythological

Material:

Ivory

Age/Country:

19th Century

Artist:

Kihodo Masaka

Provenance/Owner:

Galerie Zacke

Signed:

signed

Type:

Katabori

Height:

35mm mm

Width:

mm

Depth:

mm

ID number: