An early carved Shoki the Demon Queller, holding a sword in his right hand and warding off evil with his left. This diamond shape board was attached to a house, right underneath the roof, both as an architectural ornament and as a talisman against bad spirits, misfortune and misery. The carving is very three-dimensional, the left hand coming out of the wood, right at the beholder.

The back of the piece has been carved into the back and shoulders of Shoki. When mounted under the roof, the carving of the back of Shoki would never be seen, but was nevertheless very well executed.

Probably chestnut wood, which is very hard and would withstand the elements as well as this piece did.

Japan, 18^th century

H 10 x W 25.5 x D 2 in.

Weathered, peg holes, minor insect damage, but all in all in excellent condition