Emma-Ô

Description:

A Menuki "Emma-Ô

Worked out in Uchidashi Technique, made for decorationg a watch dial

Emma-o (Chinese: Yama) is the head-chief amongst the ten gods of hell, a Buddhist-Taoist purgatory also known as the Ten Courts of Justice. This fine bronze casting depicts the god sitting in lotus position, in the process of judging the dead and determining how they pass through the ten courts. His hat and robes reflect those worn by magistrates in Song Dynasty China, where this figure was first transmuted from the Vedic tradition of India. His right hand is hollowed out, and meant to hold a baton of office, which is missing from this piece. His face is twisted in anger, fierce eyes flashing; instilling fear to this day.