Boxwood netsuke depicting Hashihime, Japan, Edo period

Small Japanese boxwood netsuke, 5 cm high, representing Hashihime, the "woman of the bridge", a famous figure in Japanese folklore. The expressive face, open mouth and disheveled hair reflect the woman's transformation into a demon, swept away by jealousy. The warm patina of the boxwood highlights the strength of the modeling. The base is signed.

Hashihime (橋姫) is the tragic heroine of a story from the Heian Monogatari. Consumed by jealousy, she prays to the deities to turn her into an oni in revenge. From the Uji Bridge, she becomes a feared female spirit, a symbol of passion and anger.