Netsuke in Shape of Exorcism 追儺牙彫根付

英語の後に日本語が続きます。

Have you ever seen a Japanese exorcism? If not, take a look at this 3 cm tall sculpture. This is a Netsuke depicting an exorcism, currently on display at the Tokyo National Museum. It was carved from ivory by Ikkosai.

Japan used to perform exorcisms in the imperial household on New Year's Eve, as well as in other locations during Setsubun—the day before the beginning of spring in the traditional calendar. While the imperial household ritual is no longer practiced, the tradition lives on through mamemaki (soybean throwing) on Setsubun. During this ritual, people throw roasted soybeans out the front door or at a family member wearing an oni (demon) mask while chanting, "Devils out! Fortune in!"

So, these are expelled demons or ogres, but they're so cute! To me, they look like kids scared of their moms catching them eating snacks before dinner, or men scared to death of their wives catching them cheating. 😂 Oh, so they're all frightened of mothers and wives—basically, women! 🤣

A netsuke is a small carved ornament, especially of ivory or wood, worn as part of Japanese traditional dress as a toggle by which an article may be attached to the sash of a kimono (Source: Lexico). If you love netsuke, check out this list of more than 40 items!

 

 Netsuke in shape of exorcism, ivory 追儺牙彫根付

Exorcised demons and ogres 鬼祓いです

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東京国立博物館に展示されていた追儺牙彫根付です。一光斎作です。

追儺（ついな）とは、旧暦大晦日に行われた宮中行事や、民間で節分などに行われる鬼を払う行事のこと。宮中行事の方はもう行われなくなったのですが、民間行事の方はまだ残っています。

でもこの鬼たちって、夕食前におやつ食べたことがばれそうであわてる子供、いや浮気がばれそうでパニクってる男性に見えません？ということはみんな女性に怯えてるんだ😂！

根付にご興味ある方はこちらの根付リストもどうぞ！

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