IVORY NETSUKE OF A REPENTANT ONI WITH NI

A fine and fragile carving – depicted is a kneeling oni applying moxa, in the form of a burning hot needle, to a Nio. The guardian deity is lying down resting his head on his hand and seems to be undisturbed by the application of moxa to his leg, as his expression is that of a typical Nio. The oni is repentant as moxibustion was part of the ordination process for Buddhist monks in Japan. Note the very fine details of the carving – the garlands of the Nio, the individual fingers and toes and the decorations of the garments, as well as the carefully carved expressions. Natural himotoshi and signature on the back SHUNKA. The carving bears some resemblance to Tomomasa.

Category:
Netsuke
Subcategory:
-
Subject:
Mythological
Material:
Ivory
Age/Country:
19th Century
Artist:
Shunka
Provenance/Owner:
Galerie Zacke
Signed:
signed
Type:
Katabori
Height:
26mm mm
Width:
50mm mm
Depth:
mm
ID number:

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