A RARE LACQUERED AND PAINTED SOWRD STAND IN FORM OF A STANDING ATTENDANT OF RYUJIN WITH BLADE

Description:

Japan, Meiji period
H. 66 cm o.S.
The red-skinned, two-horned demon wears a fanciful shoulder protection and a leaf cloak and apron around the hips and holds a jewel in both hands; a slender dragon winds up the oni's left leg. Dragon and jewel refer to the dragon king Ryûjin and his demonic entourage. A wakizashi with a handle shaped as two rows of petals is tucked into the leafy mount on top of the oni’s head.
Collection Dr. Rainer Kreissl (1924 - 2005) - Important south German private collection, assembled before 1990 - Left foot with repair, few small restorations, minor wear