A RARE IVORY AND MIXED METAL KAGAMIBUTA DEPICTING SHOKI AND ONI, MITATE OF WASOBEI

A RARE IVORY AND MIXED METAL KAGAMIBUTA DEPICTING SHOKI AND ONI, MITATE OF WASOBEI

Unsigned
Japan, late 19th century

The shibuichi disc finely worked in gold, silver, and suaka (copper) takazogan with a gigantic and wild-haired Shoki holding in his hand a tiny oni, who claws at his beard. Central himotoshi to the back of the finely polished ivory bowl, the cord attachment to the back of the disc.

This rare and unusual depiction appears to be a clever mitate of the legend of Wasobei (see literature comparison).

DIAMETER 4.2 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor expected wear.

Literature comparison:
Compare a related depiction of Wasobei which likely served as the inspiration for this kagamibuta in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, accession number AK-MAK-1133.

Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number DE-K-231109-662).

This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.