Netsuke in wood of an oni (demon) on a gong, 19th century, Japan
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th century
Netsuke in wood of an oni crawling over a gong. The gong is of the 'shark mouth' type. Japanese men used netsuke to suspend various pouches and containers from their sashes by a silk cord.
In this example, there are a pair of holes ( himotoshi ) on the bottom of the sandal. Although netsuke were made in a variety of forms, the most widely appreciated is the katabori (shape carving). In Japanese folklore oni are devious creatures with an ugly appearance capable of causing mischief and misfortune. This finely carved netsuke exaggerates the oni 's grotesque appearance through its detailed features, such as its jowls, bulging eyes, sharp teeth and two protruding horns.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 2
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Dimensions
- Height 2.85 cm; Diameter 4.13 cm Base
- Materials and techniques
- Carved dark wood and box wood. The cord hole is lined with ivory.
Technical characteristics
- Place recorded
- Japan
Identification
- Candidate id
- vam-O492965
- Museum object number
- A.778-1910
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked single-object source. Wider type attribution and authenticity have not been independently verified.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm the wider type and source attribution against specialist references.