netsuke (oni), unknown maker from Japan

Archive Label date unknown: The mischievous spirits called oni are often depicted as horned and wearing a tigerskin loincloth. This neckless demon with furrowed brow possesses two horns and a wide mouth revealing fangs. His arms are raised at the shoulders as though he is ensnared. His worried expression seems to reflect such a desperate situation, for indeed, as a netsuke he would be "caught" and tied around the sash of his owner. The quality of the staghorn has been masterfully brought out by the carver. Rather than polishing the entire surface, he has left the porous matter exposed in areas of shadow.