Based
on the Japanese folktale of Watanabe no Tsuna, this fascinating piece displays
two oni riding a severed arm to the safety of Mt. Atago. One oni wraps the other’s
stump with gauze, while their humorous expressions betray their demonic nature.
The arm upon which they ride is decidedly inhuman, a four fingered paw displaying
sharp claws curled into a fist. The piece's remarkable pale white color indicated
that the carving is narwhal ivory. Cleverly carved and signed by Mitsumasa during
the 19th century, this is an unusual and engaging piece in excellent condition.
The story of Watanabe no Tsuna begins with Tsuna, a warrior, who was sent
to deliver a message by his master Raiko. On his way back he met a damsel asking
for protection, and Tsuna chivalrously obliged, putting her on his horse and walking
alongside her. Suddenly, the maiden turned into Ibaraki, an oni known to haunt
the gate of Rashomon. The demon grabbed Tsuna by the hair and shouted “My home
is on Mount Atago!”. Tsuna’s warrior instincts went into action, quickly drawing
his sword and slicing the monster’s arm off. Ibaraki ran away screaming and Tsuna
picked up the arm and took it home. Later on, Tsuna was visited by an old woman,
who persuaded him to show off his trophy. Sure enough the old woman turned into
a demon, and made off with the severed arm.
