Menuki Oni Dressed as Monk with Drum and Scroll Japan, Edo period, mixed-metal with gilt highlights LS108

Japan, Edo period (18th–19th century)

This highly unusual menuki presents an oni, or demon, costumed in the garb of a humble traveling monk. Rather than appearing menacing, the oni wears an almost comical expression, his rounded face and sharp teeth softened by the parody of religious attire. Across his chest is strapped a circular drum, picked out in brilliant gilt, while in one hand he holds a scroll engraved with tiny characters.

The figure’s robe is executed in dark shakudō with fine chiseled details, while the drum, scroll, and sandals are enriched with gold and silver highlights. The contrasting metals bring life to the scene, emphasizing both texture and wit.

Themes of oni in disguise appear throughout Japanese folklore and Edo-period art, where demons might take on human roles in jest or moral allegory. A monk-like oni could be read as humorous satire, suggesting the thin line between devotion and folly. Samurai mount-makers often employed such subjects as a private joke, or as a symbolic reminder of humility.

Condition: Excellent patination with age-consistent wear. Traces of gilding remain bright, particularly on the drum and accessories. Reverse shows clear attachment structure for sword mounting.

This menuki captures the Edo period taste for playful, even subversive ornamentation on arms and armor fittings, where laughter and artistry met in equal measure.

Details:

• Origin: Japan

• Period: Edo (18th–19th century)

• Material: Shakudō, copper, gilt, silver inlay

• Size: approx. 3 cm

• Motif: Oni disguised as wandering monk with drum and scroll

• Provenance: Collection of Len Sorese

LS108