Oni Card Cases

An image of the heads of two monsters. They are red with swirl patters. The eyes are white and made of glass, with brown pupils looking up. Their mouths are slightly open and pointy teeth are visible.
Oni Card Cases from the Eldon House Collection

Country of Origin: Japan
Year: ca. 1880s
Materials: Wood, Lacquer, Metal, and Glass 

Bought by the Harris Family while in Japan in 1897, these boxes are in the form of a grotesque “Oni” (demon), whose face is hinged to form a lid. The glass eyes and painted lacquered surface are reminiscent of many souvenirs created in Japan for the tourist market. Though the artistry and form of the two pieces are typical to its place of origin, the intended use is purely geared for the European/Western market as the boxes were designed to hold “calling cards.”

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.