Antique Japanese Ivory Carving
Shoki and Oni
Playing with Makugyo
Signature: unsigned, Circa: 19th Century
H 4.25 in.(10.8cm), W 2 in.(5cm), D 1.5 in.(3.8cm)
Condition: fair to good

The Japanese protector deity Shoki as Judge of the Underworld and protector from demons is often coupled in with oni, the mischievous demons of Japanese mythology. This 19th century ivory depicts an unusual and humorous constellation of these two figures. The oni dressed in traditional peasant clothes plays the mokugyo, a ritual wooden percussion instrument held by Shoki. Shoki himself has a fierce expression. He holds an axe and is swathed in a well-detailed kimono and obi. An excellent example of the expressive folk art of the period, this ivory is a classic 19th century find. (SD)

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