A NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A COWERING ONI DURING SETSUBUN Unsigned Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Amusingly carved, the oni cowering underneath a kasa (straw hat) trying to shield himself from a barrage of roasted beans being thrown at him during the oni-yarai ceremony on Setsubun day. His attempt is somewhat futile as one of the beans has hit just below his hat, four further inlaid beans hitting his makeshift shield. Looking terrified, the demons’ lips are curled downward, his two sharp horns poking humorously through the hat. The eyes are double inlays of pale translucent and dark horn. Excellent asymmetrical and generously excavated himotoshi. LENGTH 4.2 cm Condition: A repair to the edge of the hat. Minor wear throughout including some light abrasions to the wood. Generally, in good condition and presenting very well. Provenance: British private collection. With an old collectors number, ’88.’ 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.