MASAKAZU: A RARE NAGOYA SCHOOL KARAKURI (TRICK) WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI AND ONI

MASAKAZU: A RARE NAGOYA SCHOOL KARAKURI (TRICK) WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI AND ONI
By Masakazu, signed Masakazu 正一
Japan, Nagoya, 19
th
century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Superbly carved as a large rock with two oni cowering and seeking shelter within its crevices, their horns inlaid in stained bone, the rock opening to reveal two halves hinged into a central piece which is finely carved with the demon queller Shoki sitting next to his sword and throwing roasted beans to drive the oni away. Signed MASAKAZU to the interior of the rock. The central himotoshi ringed in bone underneath.
HEIGHT 3.5 cm, LENGTH 7 cm (when opened)
Condition: Excellent condition, minor typical wear.
Provenance:
Ex-collection Guy de Lasteyrie. De Lasteyrie is a member of the Lasteyrie du Saillant family and is considered among the leading French collectors of netsuke.
The present netsuke was likely carved as a talisman for the Setsubun festival which is celebrated during the first day of spring and includes the rite of oni-yarai or mame-maki, where roasted beans are thrown at oni to rid the coming year of any demons and disease-bringing spirits.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related wood netsuke of Shoki and oni by Masakazu at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 27 May 2022, Vienna, lot 237 (
sold for EUR 6,952
).
Also compare a related karakuri netsuke by Kagetoshi at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 160 (
sold for EUR 6,952
).