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Four-Case Inro with Figure of Emma-o, the King of Hell
Four-Case Inro with Figure of Emma-o, the King of Hell

Four-Case Inro with Figure of Emma-o, the King of Hell

Artist/Maker (Japanese, 1775–1850)
Date19th century
MediumWood with lacquer and abalone inlay inro, ivory netsuke and ojime bead
DimensionsOverall (inro): 3 13/16 × 2 × 1 3/8 in. (9.7 × 5.1 × 3.5 cm)
Overall (netsuke): 2 × 1 5/16 × 1 in. (5.1 × 3.3 × 2.5 cm)
Overall (ojime bead): 9/16 in. (1.4 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Elinor Appleby in honor of her granddaughter, Sarah Meyer (OC 2002)
Object number2000.20.4
Status
On view
More Information
Emma-ō 閻魔王 is the king of Buddhist Hell, represented with a fierce expression, holding his tablet of office, and wearing a Chinese judge’s cap with the character for “king” 王. He judges the souls of men, while his sister judges the souls of women. Punishment is based on the specific sins committed, and beings are assigned to one of 16 hells for a fixed period until their next rebirth. However, they can be released by the prayers of the living or the intercession of a deity. Is this image of Emma-ō intended to inspire good behavior by the owner of this inrō?
ProvenanceGeorge Lazarnick, Honolulu; acquired by Elinor Appleby [1920-2020], New York; by gift 2000 to Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OHExhibition History
Trickster Spirits: Demons, Foxes, and Tengu in Japanese Folklore
  • Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (January 31, 2025 - August 10, 2025 )
Collections
  • On View
  • Asian
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