Object Description
From our collection of Japanese Fine Art and Antiques, this unusual and charming carved-wood Okimono of an Oni. The characterful figure is performing his Winter training and soliciting alms. He stands with a gong around his neck and holding the striking hammer in his right hand. In his left hand he holds a ledger book or donation registry.
The Oni is dressed as a Monk, a metaphor similar to the Western “A Wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing.” This amusing religious hypocrisy is a theme often found in Japanese art. The ritual of Winter Training would see the character patrolling the streets reciting prayers and repeating the name of the Buddhha whilst collecting donations (begging.)
On the reverse, this is a large inscription that reads:
“Otsu e no, fude no Hajime yan ani hotoke”
which is translated as
“How did it begin, the brush in Otsu paintings, with what Buddhas name”.
This is a famous Haiku poem which was originally composed by Matsuo Basho (1644-1694).