Gong Held by Oni

Unknown

late 19th century · Metal, wood, lacquer, polychrome · Musical Instruments

This ferocious sculpture was made primarily as a display piece and possibly to appeal to the European export market. The two oni (demons) are carrying a large dora (gong) in a procession. The gong, a genuine example, is the type used in theater, tea ceremonies, and Buddhist rituals.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th century

Medium

Metal, wood, lacquer, polychrome

Culture

Japanese

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889