unsigned wood netsuke
early 19th century
seated oni applying moxa
height 1 5/8 in., 4 cm
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he sits wearing a respectable haori jacket with one leg tucked beneath and the other bent at the knee, the burning moxa (mogusa or mugwort) applied just below the knee with flames or smoke curling upward, he juts out his lower jaw and frowns in determination to withstand the pain, unsigned (attached to inro)
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Moxibustion is a therapy which originated in China that is based on similar principals as acupuncture. The purpose was to stimulate pressure points to restore and balance the flow of 'chi' ('qi') or life energy of the body. Apparently this oni is repentant; applying moxa was a part of the ordination process for Buddhist monks in Japan.
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$1,800
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another view
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