Unsigned netsuke of an oni

A wood netsuke of an oni. The little devil grimaces in pain as he applies a moxa to his leg. He sits hunched with his head turned to the side as he attempts an air of nonchalance, belied by the lop-sided downturn of his mouth. Clad only in a loincloth, its hair straggles down its plump, muscular back. The moxa is inlaid in coral.

Height: 3.8cm

Moxibustion is a traditional medical treatment in Japan and the Far East. It consists of burning pellets of dried ground mugwort, along the same points used in acupuncture.