A WOOD NETSUKE OF THE DEMON QUELLER SHOKI WITH ONIWood netsuke. Japan, 19th centuryThe famous vanquisher of demons and evil beings shows a very unusual posture – seated and not holding a sword. As always, Shoki is has a full beard and a grim expression, which is permeated by a sense of well-being in this case however, as a muscular oni (demon) is massaging his back. An interesting detail of this densely and plastically carved work is the oni’s facial expression, suggesting it feels it will finally defeat Shoki. The cord channel is positioned between the legs. Condition: Good condition with minor nicks in the wood Provenance: From a French private collectionHEIGHT 4.2 CM