netsuke (exorcizing oni with beans), Suzuki Kosai

Archive Label 2003:
This bun-shaped toggle is carved and inlaid with a scene from the New Year’s Setsubun festival. In celebration of the New Year, people throw dried soybeans at oni to drive them away. People also throw beans in various cardinal directions to drive away bad luck. Here, Okame, the Shinto goddess of humor, is depicted hurling beans at a fleeing oni.

Archive Label date unknown:
A common Japanese rite is known as oniyarai or tsuina (demon expelling). On the night of the last day of the year the ceremony is performed at the Imperial Palace to banish ills and evils. The rite prevails among the populace as well, and is used to drive out the oni associated with the misfortunes of the previous year. Specially prepared beans are scattered in the four directions while people chant, "In with fortune, out with the oni!" This netsuke depicts Uzume, the deity of mirth, who has just thrown the ceremonial beans at an oni who flees towards the left. A detailed engraving on fthe reverse shows the demon in flight with both feet in the air and its head bent down to avoid the beans.