Shoki is a Buddhist deity who in China and Japan is celebrated as a vanquisher of demons. In this 19th century ivory netsuke, Shoki is shown with two very mischievous oni. One, oni irreverently bathes inside a pot that is placed upon an impossibly high table while the other dashes under the table just out of the grasp of Shoki. Both of the oni have finely detailed features that are not so much fearsome as reminiscent of very naughty exceedingly rambunctious children who are out on a high-spirited binge. Shoki himself exudes power. He carries a sword and stands over a titled book. His loosely hung kimono displays intricate textile designs and the details in his face are astoundingly life-like. Behind Shoki sits a cloth bag full of treasure waiting to be opened and discovered.

Beyond the perception of the naked eye, each character in this mis-en-scene is exquisitely rendered. This netsuke, signed Gyokuzan on the bottom by the artist is an exceptional ivory that embodies levity, delight and fine artistry. (SD)