Boxwood, very delicately carved and engraved. This scene called 'Oni yarai' showing the Oni dressed in a tiger skin apron, looking for protection from the beans thrown at him for the new year under a large straw hat; a very popular subject. Reikichi mentions the carver Ikk?, who specialised in these depictions. He was active between 1781-1800. The three beans have been left lighter, carved from the same piece. H.3.3cm. Signed: Ikk? on the apron, cf. MCI p. 226. Condition A.