EDO PERIOD (19TH CENTURY), SIGNED YOSHIMASA

According to legend, Ibaraki-doji was a notorious oni (ghost) who harassed those who tried to pass through the Rashomon gate in Kyoto, the old capital, until a heroic samurai named Watanabe no Tsuna defeated him, severing his arm and taking it as a trophy. Watanabe no Tsuna was warned to let no one in his estate for seven days, for surely Ibaraki would come back for his severed limb. However, Ibaraki tricked his way into Tsuna’s home in the disguise of his elderly aunt, taking back his arm and escaping into the night. This netsuke is depicted holding the arm of Ibaraki and appears poised to leap into the sky in escape.