Early 20th Century Japanese Oni Wood Carving Okimono Demon Figure Fish Sculpture Meiji Period

Description

Antique Japanese from the Meiji period, carved wood (possibly boxwood) figure of a monstrous Oni figure carrying a large fish … more Antique Japanese from the Meiji period, carved wood (possibly boxwood) figure of a monstrous Oni figure carrying a large fish on his back and a book in his other hand. Dating between 1868 and 1912. The well carved figure stands on a carved wood base and is depicted standing in human-ish form with three clawed feet wearing shorts with a cloth tied around his shoulders/ neck holding a book in one hand and a large fish on his back in the other. The Oni has well carved facial detail with raised horns and sharp pointed teeth along with inset eyes, claw like fingers, bracelets on either wrist, muscular arms and legs and a belly that sticks out. There is a signature on the back of his leg in Japanese, possibly. less