37 - JOSO: A SUPERB GOLD-INLAID ANTLER ‘OKAME AT ONI-YARAI’ KISERUZUTSU (PIPE CASE)

JOSO: A SUPERB GOLD-INLAID ANTLER ‘OKAME AT ONI-YARAI’ KISERUZUTSU (PIPE CASE) By Miyazaki Joso (1855-1910), signed Joso 如藻 Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Of muso-zutsu form, exquisitely carved in shishiaibori (sunken relief) and finely embellished with gold inlay, depicting a scene of oni-yarai during Setsubun. An oni wrapped in a mino raincoat scurries past a thatched cottage, while Okame peers out from within, watching his retreat. A blossoming plum tree sweeps poetically across the composition. The landscape is partly veiled in mist, lending considerable depth and atmosphere. The cord attachment is finely carved in the form of a reishi fungus. Signed JOSO within a raised oval reserve. LENGTH 21.5 cm Condition: Good condition overall with expected wear, natural imperfections including small age cracks, and traces of handling and use. A visible loss to one side. The gilt-silver rim fitting replaced. Miyazaki Joso (1855-1910) was an important Tokyo carver and founder of the So school. Pipe cases by Joso are extremely rare, as indeed they are among members of the So school generally, with only very few examples recorded. Morita Soko (1879-1942), one of Joso’s most important pupils, is likewise known to have produced kiseruzutsu (see auction comparison). The subject provides a particularly charming visualization of the Setsubun refrain oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi (‘Demons out, fortune in’). The fleeing oni personifies the misfortune being expelled from the household, while Okame, or Otafuku, an embodiment of happiness and good fortune, represents the fuku welcomed within. The blossoming plum, among the earliest flowers to appear at the end of winter, further reinforces the themes of approaching spring, renewal, and auspicious beginnings. Setsubun is observed on the day before Risshun, the traditional beginning of spring, and incorporates elements derived from the ancient Chinese exorcistic rite of tsuina. The custom of driving away malevolent spirits through the scattering of roasted beans became established in Japan during the medieval period and remains one of the festival's defining rituals. Auction comparison: Compare a related sandalwood kiseruzutsu by Morita Soko, one of Joso’s principal pupils, signed Soko, 20.3 cm high, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 291 (sold for EUR 5,688).