Yokai and Spirituality in Inro by Ryan Schlindwein

This pair of inro and netsuke from the collection of the Illinois State Museum play into the spirituality and folklore of Japan. Unfortunately, the museum does not have the records of when it was made or donated. This inro features demons prominently. The oni are typically described as ogre-like demons, while the tengu are described as having a red face, a long nose or features similar to a bird of prey. While the oni and tengu are sometimes depicted as forces of evil, both demons also are portrayed as forces of good with the oni bringing wealth and fortune to who they meet or the tengu lending their powers for protection. The netsuke features a mountain pavilion or shrine, bamboo, and flowers.