In Japanese folklore
oni are considered demons and ogres. They are in essence troublemakers who can
appear to humans in either visible forms or as nagging invisible spirits. Traditionally
they are depicted as humanoid with outrageous features such as horns, fangs and
bulging eyes. Oni have been maliciously known to gobble-up human beings. That
said, they also serve a protectors and are sometimes depicted on buildings to
ward off evil spirits.
This
early 20th century netsuke, a dancing oni carved in deep tea-stained ivory, is
most charming. He has muscled arms, strong legs, an abundance of hair streaming
down his back, pointy ears and stubs on the top of his head that indicate horns.
He is standing on one leg, his body is in movement as though he is in the midst
of a mad little jig. The artist signature Kizu on the lower left side is unrecorded.
(SD)
