**Originally Listed At $500**
East Asia, Japan, Meiji period, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A fantastic cast brass demon figure, interpreted as reaching out to snatch your soul! This is a mythical Oni demon, crouching with a loincloth around his waist. In this rendering he appears as an older human man, but his boney spine and little horns certainly give away his true a demonic identity. The loin cloth is painted with blue and green pigments, and red paint highlights his horns. Oni figures represent all the traits and emotions associated with human wrongdoing, and they are said to linger around evil people. These wicked spirits can be cast out of the home by voicing simple chants and throwing soybeans. A nice dark patina covers this fabulous piece! Size: 4.25" W x 4.5" H (10.8 cm x 11.4 cm); 5,5" H (139.7 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most Antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. #159714
Condition
Cavity and hole under skirt area, but this is indiscernible when on the stand. Minor nicks and fading of pigments. One foot is not secured to stand. Dark patina!