A WOOD NETSUKE OF A POWERFUL ONI DURING SETSUBUN BY MASANAO
Wood netsukeJapan, Ise-Yamada19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)This horned oni, a Buddhist devil, is being pelted with roasted beans, or kuromame, causing him great pain. Oni are invisible and therefore professional exorcists are needed to cast them out as part of the oni-yarai festival (also known as setsubun), a year-end rite to drive away the oni. The oni’s painfully moaning face, hunched body, claw-like hands supporting the head as well as several dents and beans on his back make this a dense, sculptural piece with a dramatic touch that is executed masterfully. The muscular oni is wearing a loincloth as well as rings around the joints. Inlaid pupils. Signed MASANAO on the loincloth. Natural himotoshi between the legs.HEIGHT 3.3 CMCondition: Both legs have been reattached by the knees; minor fritting to the eyes - otherwise good conditionProvenance: British private collection