Netsuke depicting a monster known in Japan as a ‘hakutaku’ (白澤) and in China as Baí Zé (白泽). It is usually depicted as a monstrous feline creature with a human face as well as with nine eyes and six horns arranged in sets of three and two on both its flanks. It was believed that the creature ate human bad dreams and evil experiences and for this reason people used to hang its picture on the entrance gate or inside the house. This one has 3 x 3 eyes inlaid with horn. The carving is exceptional. The netsuke is signed Guai Tang (怪堂). Length 5.2 cm. Width 3.1 cm. Height 3.7 cm.