An early ivory netsuke of the Oni Shiko

Unsigned, 18th century

2 inches (5cm) wide

A netsuke depicting the Oni Shiko crouching beneath a rat clutching a leafy branch of holly.

The story refers to a legend involving Daikoku, the Household God of Plenty, and one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, who the Japanese offered daily prayers. The Buddhist idols were unhappy about this, and the God of the Underworld Emma-o sent his greatest Oni called Shiko to destroy Daikoku. Daikoku sensed the presence of the demon and sent his messenger and companion the Rat to chase him away. The Rat picked a branch of holly, which he used to beat Shiko and drive him all the way back to the underworld.

This legend is said to have started the tradition of placing a branch of Holly branch in the lintel of the house’s door to prevent the return of the demons after the Oni Yarai rite. The latter ceremony consisted of throwing beans to chase off demons, a subject often found in netsuke.

Ref. 955422

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