By Akasofu Gyokko, each signed Gyokko
Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Each demon standing strong atop a wood stand neatly carved in openwork with one hand resting on the hip and the other raised to hold up a mounted bowl with parcel gilt and incised dragons and lotus leaves. Their faces with large bulging eyes and horns framed by long curly tresses, their muscular bodies adorned with tiger-skin loincloths and scarves draped over the shoulders with ornate decorations including a Hanabishi mon, as well as bracelets and anklets. Each signed GYOKKO. With a wood mallet – each sound bowl producing a typical sound.

HEIGHT 75.5 cm (each incl. base), 65 cm and 64 cm (without the base)
WEIGHT 8.8 kg and 8.4 kg

Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, casting irregularities, small nicks, light scratches. The stands with expected minor age cracks and small nicks, one with small repairs and remnants of adhesive. The bowls with few minor dents.
Provenance: From the private estate of Bartlett Burnap, Los Angeles, United States. One oni with an old label.

Akasofu Gyokko (dates unknown) lived in Tokyo, his factory producing cast metalwork for export. His given name was Sotojiro and he is recorded as a member of the Tokyo Chukinkai (Tokyo Cast Metalworkers' Association) in the second half of the Meiji era.

Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related figure of an oni, described as “Miyao style” and dated to the Meiji period, 48.2 cm tall, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 5 November 2009, London, lot 269 (sold for 7,200 GBP). Note the lot comprises a single figure.