Artwork preview

Netsuke of a Demon Carrying a Gourd on His Back

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image depicts a small sculpture of a demon carrying a gourd on his back. The demon has a large head with a distinctive hairstyle, a prominent nose, and sharp teeth. The demon's body is muscular and has a light skin tone. The demon wears a loincloth made of fur or animal hide. The demon's right leg is raised as if he is walking or running. The demon holds a large club-like object in both hands. The object has a rounded end. The gourd on the demon's back is large and rounded. The gourd has a small stem at the top. The background of the image is a plain gray color. The sculpture appears to be made of ivory or bone. The sculpture is small, likely a netsuke. The overall style of the sculpture is traditional Japanese. The sculpture is titled "Netsuke of a Demon Carrying a Gourd on His Back" by an unknown artist.

Artwork Details

Date
19th century
Medium
Ivory
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
600 × 400 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette