Object Description
From our collection of Japanese antique metalwork, this monumental (125cm in height) Bronze sculpture of an Oni presenting a giant incense burner (Koro)
The Oni is a popular antagonist in Japanese folk tales, they are a type of Yokai (supernatural being) and resemble the troll or ogre of western fairy tales. They are usually red, blue or green with large teeth and horns and wear tiger skin loincloths or shorts and sometimes carry large spiked clubs.
Historically, Oni were the souls of the dead who had been wicked in life. It was their job to torment the souls as wardens of Hell. During the Meiji period, Oni sometimes take on a more comical function in stories, this has developed further in modern times with some Oni losing their wickedness altogether and becoming a protective symbol of good luck.
If a child misbehaves in Japan sometimes they will be called a child of an Oni, and the popular game ‘It’ or ‘Tag’ is called Oni in Japan.