MINKOKU: A FINE AND HUMOROUS WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ONI BATHING A RAKAN

MINKOKU: A FINE AND HUMOROUS WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ONI BATHING A RAKAN

By Minkoku, signed Minkoku 民谷
Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Meticulously carved, the rakan's face bearing an expression of consternation as he tries to lift himself out of the round basin, gripping its sides with a small towel in one hand, the rippling water rendered with minutely incised, wavy lines. The small oni humorously scrubs the back of the rakan while holding him down with one clawed hand; his expression is one of great satisfaction. The pupils of both are inlaid in dark, lustrous horn. Two ringed himotoshi to the base. Signed MINKOKU.

LENGTH 3.4 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor expected wear.
Provenance: Private collection in Hamburg, Germany.