A cream
white netsuke, carved from fine Asian elephant tusk with dense close grain and
an exquisite, almost pearly polished surface that is evenly colored, a bit darker
on the back. A carving of excellent artistry with well detailed elements, engraved
lines for beard and eyebrows, robes with lambent folds and nicely described closed
parasol, book and braided rope.
This
oni could almost be taken for a priest, with his devout accoutrements and handsome
robe ornamented with perfect starbursts and silken edges. He carries a gong to
announce himself to the faithful as he travels about in his clogs, three-clawed
toes poking out, calling for alms with an _expression of pious urgency on his
face, playing the righteous mendicant with unconcealed horns on his head! The
preposterous masquerade is something an oni would attempt, as legend is replete
with stories that characterize oni as wickedly troublesome if not thoroughly evil,
and capable of a variety of misadventures in which they often end up getting the
raw end of the stick. --RW
