Matchsafe in the Form of an Oni

This matchsafe is sculpted in the form of a seated oni, a Japanese demon, depicted with a distorted, ferocious facial expression, prominent fangs, and bulging eyes. The figure is cast in metal with a deep red lacquer finish, accented by polished gold-toned highlights on the hair, facial features, and the small object held in its lap. The oni is shown in a crouched, seated position with legs tucked inward, wearing stylized drapery, and the lid of the matchsafe is integrated into the upper torso of the demon.

The oni represents a central figure in Japanese folklore, often depicted as a force of chaos or a guardian figure in Buddhist contexts, commonly appearing in sets of yōkai imagery during the Edo and Meiji periods.