Identify Oni ?

[Vincent998]

Acquired a nice little Oni misidentified as a menuki on auction site. I initially thought it might be a maedate until I saw the dimensions of 2 1/4” x 2”. (Also about 7/16” deep )

The two clasping devices on the reverse are evidence of a fixed attachment purpose.

I admired the craftsmanship so added it to my small collection of Japanese metalwork but would very much like to know the how or why or whatever an item like this might have  been worn or attached and to what. Any help very much appreciated. Thanks 

 

[Bugyotsuji]

There’s a good chance it decorated the flap of a purse. 前金具 Mae-kanagu means ‘front metalwork’. Menuki were often repurposed for this after the age of sword-carrying ended. Yours is quite large so it could have been on the front of an over-sized billfold, such as Sumo wrestlers or gang bosses might carry.

[Vincent998]

Thanks for taking the time to reply 

[Matsunoki]

Have a look at the Kabuto in this link (also on this forum). Hmmmm?

https://supeinnihonto.com/product/Japanese-samurai-armor-gusoku-signed-ietada-of-the-saotome-school/

[Vincent998]

On 8/11/2026 at 10:55 AM, Matsunoki said:

Have a look at the Kabuto in this link (also on this forum). Hmmmm?

https://supeinnihonto.com/product/Japanese-samurai-armor-gusoku-signed-ietada-of-the-saotome-school/

Thanks for sharing this spectacular piece.

i had hoped when I first saw the Oni that it was a maedate but then seeing the dimensions I realized that it was much too small.

I currently have a 32 Ken kabuto with replica maedate and kuwagata hope someday to replace with real examples.

 

[EricMajo]

On 8/11/2026 at 4:55 PM, Matsunoki said:

Have a look at the Kabuto in this link (also on this forum). Hmmmm?

https://supeinnihonto.com/product/Japanese-samurai-armor-gusoku-signed-ietada-of-the-saotome-school/

 

Thanks for the compliment, I'll take that as directed at me since I have it in my living room while it's for sale. This maedate is one of the most elaborate I've seen — it's actually made up of several separate modules, and even the fangs/teeth can be removed easily. That's part of why a maedate alone can sometimes be worth more than an entire kabuto: quality at this level is obvious at a glance.