An elaborately carved ivory figural okimono group of Musashibo Benkei and oni
By Shimamura Toshimitsu of Tokyo, Meiji Period
Attired in the typical garb of a Yamabushi priest, consisting of a black pill box on his head, straw sandals, full pants gathered at the bottom, tiger skins and a tachi slung at the back of his waist, he stands, leaning back while blowing a conch shell horn (hora), an oni crouching at his feet, grimacing from the noise, covers his ears, the whole intricately carved, the robe decorated in low relief with various designs comprising foliate motifs and ho-o-mon with details etched in sepia, the ivory is lightly stained and the oni's eyes are inlaid with raden, signed Nihon Tokyo wa ju, Shimamura Toshimitsu with seal; with wood storage box. 21.6cm (8½in) high. (2).
