Meiji bronze Oni group
Posted on 16 March 2012
Just to show you the best example of shakudo (raven's wing black) I am adding a picture from our stock. This was exhibited at Masterpiece and New York last year. An oni is a demon (imp really) but as you can see this one is totally benign. We bought this piece because of the shakudo cloak, the unbelievable workmanship, (have a long look at the tiger skin greaves) and the curious subject matter. Who is this oni? He appears to be a wandering beggar with a begging bowl and a very tatty umbrella so why is he so richly dressed? Why is he smiling so happily? Also the little boy turns out to be a boy oni too as he has tiny little horns in his curly hair - I've never seen one of them before. Can anyone read the tablet? (Apparently it is not a signature.)
