Object: Apotropaic Oni head (demon mask) Country: Japan Material: Carved wood with traces of polychromy Period: Meiji, late 19th century Dimensions: • Height: 13 cm • Width: 11 cm Provenance: From the former collection of Marcello Venturoli (Rome, 1915 – Rome, 2002), Italian art critic, journalist, essayist, writer, and man of letters. https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcello_Venturoli A signed declaration from his son will be provided. Description Small carved wooden head representing an Oni, the traditional Japanese demon figure associated with protection and the warding off of evil spirits. The mask features bulging eyes, a broad nose with open nostrils, and a grimacing mouth, all rendered in a bold, expressive folk style. The surface shows the original polychromy and natural wear consistent with age and use. The interior is hollowed by hand, with visible tool marks, and bears an old inventory label from a collection. Its small size and the absence of lateral cord holes indicate it was not intended for theatrical performance, but rather for display or protective use in a domestic or shrine . Good overall condition, with expected wear consistent with age. Tracked shipping