MASAMITSU: A HUMOROUS INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ONI DURING SETSUBUN

拍品描述

MASAMITSU: A HUMOROUS INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ONI DURING SETSUBUN By Masamitsu, signed Masamitsu 正光 with kakihan Japan, Ise-Yamada, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved to depict an oni hiding head-first in a wooden masu from the bone-inlaid beans that are thrown on him during the oni-yarai ceremony at Setsubun day. The right arm emerging from the aperture on one side clutching the box, as the lower half of his muscular body is trying to cram inside. The box neatly incised to resemble wood panels and signed underneath within a polished reserve MASAMITSU – a pupil of Masanao. Natural himotoshi through the arm. LENGTH 3.8 cm The Setsubun festival, celebrated annually on the day before the beginning of spring (typically between February2 and 4), marks a ritual symbolic renewal, during which roasted beans are scattered in the oni-yarai or mamemaki rite to drive out demons and disease-bringing spirits and welcome good fortune: Participants, often someone born under that year’s zodiac sign, shake or hurl beans while shouting ‘Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!’ [‘Demons out! Fortune in!’], reinforcing the act of purification and protection.

图片