AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A CONVERTED ONI Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Östasiatiska Museet (1999) Netsuke, p. 50. Exhibited: Östasiatiska Museet, Sweden, Stockholm, 16 October 1999 – 9 January 2000. The oni, converted to Buddhism, depicted here with a thick belly which partially hangs over the temple gong before him. He looks up to the heavens, screaming dramatically, the eyes double inlaid in reddish and dark horn. In one hand he holds a rosary and with the other he holds the mallet behind his back, scratching himself instead of striking the gong. The oni wears only a tiger skin loincloth, the fur coat pattern partially worn, as are the hairs on his body. The ribs in the back are expressed very well. The deep, perfectly placed himotoshi are indicative of the period. HEIGHT 4.2 cm Condition: The inked features partially worn; expected age cracks, an old filling to the front of the teeth and one horn is replaced. Good, age-related condition. Provenance: Ex collection Mrs. Gunvor Bjorkman. Old museum number.