AN IVORY MANJU-NETSUKE OF OKAME AND ONI AT SETSUBUN BY SUZUKI KOSAI
Ivory manju-netsukeJapanlate 19th centuryThe circular manju-gata shows an oni being pelted with roasted beans by Okame (kuromame, black soybeans) as part of the oni-yarai festival (also known as setsubun), a year-end rite to drive away the oni. The Shinto goddess Okame, is a popular deity of the festival and participates in the exorcism. The reverse shows a pained oni bursting away as well as the signature SUZUKI KOSAI and red kao.DIAMETER 5.2 CMCondition: Excellent condition; very minor age-cracksProvenance: French private collectionAuction comparison: Another manju by Suzuki Kosai sold at Bonhams, Asian Decorative Arts, San Francisco, 24 June 2015, lot 8012.