A WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ONI (DEMON) WITH A MORTAR AND PESTLE By Ittan, Nagoya, Edo period (1615-1868), early/mid 19th centuryA WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ONI (DEMON) WITH A MORTAR AND PESTLEBy Ittan, Nagoya, Edo period (1615-1868), early/mid 19th centuryThe oni seated, gripping the mortar with his feet, grinding a human skull and other bones inside with a large pestle, the eyes inlaid (one missing); signed in a raised oval reserve Ittan with a kao. 3.8cm (1½in) high.Provenance:Mike and Hiroko Dean Collection.Purchased at Sotheby's, London, 14 November 2000, lot 150.