KAJIKAWA: A RARE LACQUERED WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ONI WITH OFFSPRING By the Kajikawa family, signed Kajikawa 梶川 Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) An unusual and rare netsuke depicting a standing oni, dressed in a gold-lacquered tiger skin loincloth and holding a small green-lacquered oni before him. The expressions of the pair are enigmatic and very peculiar. The skin of the larger oni is of a matte silver lacquer and shades of red lacquer shimmer through the hair, which is topped off by golden horns. The underside of one foot shows the signature KAJIKAWA in gold takamaki-e. The himotoshi is cleverly placed in the form of a single hole through the mid-section, hidden by the oni's elbow in the front. HEIGHT 8.6 cm Condition: Minor expected surface wear, very good condition. Provenance: Collection I. A. und Cecile Mann Victor sold at Christie's, New York, 20 April 1989, Lot 103 (Hammer price 2.000 USD).