Menuki Oni Dressed as Monk with Drum and Scroll Japan, Edo period, mixed-metal with gilt highlights LS108 Inkstone Two applied side ring handles

Two applied side ring handles add a traditional utilitarian form element

Height = 16" (Frame 22")

Genno (see picture 6)

It was a friend of mankind and guardian of the spirit world

Menuki Oni Dressed as Monk with Drum and Scroll Japan, Edo period, mixed-metal with gilt highlights LS108 Inkstone Two applied side ring handlesJapan, Edo period (18th19th century) This highly unusual menuki presents an oni, or demon, costumed in the garb of a humble traveling monk. Rather than appearing menacing, the oni wears an almost comical expression, his rounded face and sharp teeth softened by the parody of religious attire. Across his chest is strapped a circular drum, picked out in brilliant gilt, while in one hand he holds a scroll engraved with tiny characters. The figures robe is