Description:
Japanese netsuke. A ferocious standing figure (Shoki, or Zhongkui in Chinese) in long robe with bushy beard and a sword in his proper right hand. His left hand catches a little demon-look creature, Oni. Two holes in the back for functional use.

Label Text:
Oni are Japanese demons that resemble humans except for their 3 eyes, large mouths, horns, and sharp nails. They fly around in search of the souls of the wicked on their deathbeds. The conqueror of demons is Shoki, the god of the afterlife and exorcism. His role is similar to that of the Chinese deity known as Zhongkui.

(2004)

Tags:
legends; figures; fighting; swords

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=MH+1986.30.57

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