A RARE LACQUERED WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ONI TYING HIS FUNDOSHI

A RARE LACQUERED WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ONI TYING HIS FUNDOSHI

Unsigned
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

An amusing and unusual wood netsuke of a red-lacquered oni holding the edge of his white-lacquer loin cloth under his chin, holding it in place with one hand, while yanking it tightly beneath his legs to the affect that his face is drawn up in an amusing cry, his eyes rolled back, tongue protruding showing the demon's sharp teeth. Natural himotoshi underneath the arm.

HEIGHT 6.7 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and small chips to the white-lacquer lion cloth

This unusual netsuke is a comical parody of a motif that commonly depicts elderly men mis-tying their fundoshi. The artist's sense of humor is clearly visible in both his choice of subject and manner of modeling, rendering the typically muscular oni with a rotund and pudgy figure. The use of lacquer, beautifully rubbed in some areas, is also very unusual.

Literature comparison:
The typical model is rather uncommon in wood, a related netsuke in ivory is in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, formerly in the Bushell collection, accession no. M.90.186.18.

Auction comparison:
Compare a related marine ivory netsuke of a naked man, dated 19th century, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 255 (sold for EUR 3,286).