Signed Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The Nio holding a kongo (vajra) in one hand and wearing a neatly incised skirt under his protruding belly and a finely carved garland draped around his shoulders. His expression is wrathful with the eyes and mouth wide open, the pupils inlaid in dark horn. Three men are painting the statue, with a fourth man stirring miso in the front. Signed to the underside. HEIGHT 7.4 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor traces of wear. Provenance: British collection. Old collector’s label to the underside.