† A WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ONI AT SETSUBUN, ATTRIBUTED TO ROKKOAttributed to Rokko, unsignedJapan, Tokyo, late 19th century Finely carved as a running oni attempting to flee as he is being pelted with soybeans, holding a large straw hat over his back and head, his two horns poking through the hat, which has already suffered some well-executed ‘damage’, the demon’s muscles well detailed and heightened by skillful staining. His hair, brows, and garment are neatly incised. The eyes are inlaid with dark horn, the mouth agape in an agonized expression showing teeth and sharp fangs. HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minimal wear. Provenance: Van Ham, 8 June 2017, Cologne, lot 1520 (sold for 2,193 EUR). A noted private collection, USA, acquired from the above.The Setsubun festival 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. Sometimes, families also hang sardines and holly outside their doors, both of which were traditionally deemed unappealing to demons and thus also contribute to keeping the home free of evil spirits. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of an oni at Setsubun by Rokko, 4.5 cm high, dated 19th century, illustrated in Sagemonoya (2001) Netsuke That Never Left Japan, no. 25. Compare a closely related wood netsuke of an oni at Setsubun by Rokko, 5.7 cm high, dated 19th century, illustrated in Galerie Zacke (1982) Netsuke, no. 112.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer’s premium – only for buyers within the EU.