A VERY RARE SAISHIKI NETSUKE OF A BAKU HEAD Unsigned Japan, Osaka, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The saishiki (painted) hinoki wood netsuke depicting the head of a baku, the devourer of nightmares, with large glaring eyes and its mouth opened, the red tongue sticking out. The baku stands on two feet and is attached to a structural element, through which the himotoshi goes through. Such a head would be typically installed at the end of beams in temples. The gesso and polychrome pigments characteristically worn. LENGTH 6.7 cm Condition: Good, characteristically worn condition. Provenance: Ex collection Mrs. Gunvor Bjorkman.