Lot 176
176
A fine gold and silver ojime of an oni hiding under a hat
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more
A fine gold and silver ojime of an oni hiding under a hat

SIGNED YOSHIMITSU, MEIJI PERIOD (LATE 19TH CENTURY)

Details
A fine gold and silver ojime of an oni hiding under a hat
Signed Yoshimitsu, Meiji Period (Late 19th Century)
The boldly modelled figure of the oni crouching in his tiger skin trousers under an old straw hat, the details finely chased and engraved, gold bands to his wrists and ankles
2.1cm. wide
Literature
International Netsuke Society Journal, October 2002.
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The oni is hiding from the unseen figure of Shoki, the demon queller, who would possibly have figured as the subject in the netsuke, or possibly the inro with which the ojime was worn. The mythical figure of Shoki was introduced into Japanese art from the Chinese figure of Zhong Kui, where, having failed in his Imperial examinations, committed suicide rather than live without a degree. The Emperor, on hearing of this granted that he should be buried with great honour. In gratitude, Shoki vowed to devote himself to expelling demons from China into eternity.

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