Japan
Meiji era
Wood
Height 2 1/4 in (5.7 cm)
Provenance: Private collection, Kyoto
This Japanese wood netsuke is carved in the form of a mask, with a strongly modeled face and expressive features characteristic of the theatrical and folk character types familiar in Japanese visual culture. Mask-form netsuke were small functional objects worn suspended from the obi sash, and this example shows the hollowed interior and attachment structure on the reverse that confirm its identification as a netsuke rather than a free-standing mask. The quality of carving, with its deeply cut brow, prominent eyes, and forceful expression, reflects the confident hand of an accomplished Meiji period carver.
The mask netsuke draws directly on the rich Japanese tradition of theatrical mask carving, compressing the formal vocabulary of full-scale Noh and Kyogen masks into a form small enough to be worn at the belt. Kyoto, from which this piece comes, was the historic center of both Noh theater and the craft traditions associated with it, and objects of this type produced in or collected in Kyoto carry a particular resonance. The warm dark patina of the wood and the wear consistent with regular handling confirm the age and use of this piece.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Japan
Meiji era
Wood
Height 2 1/4 in (5.7 cm)
Provenance: Private collection, Kyoto
This Japanese wood netsuke is carved in the form of a mask, with a strongly modeled face and expressive features characteristic of the theatrical and folk character types familiar in Japanese visual culture. Mask-form netsuke were small functional objects worn suspended from the obi sash, and this example shows the hollowed interior and attachment structure on the reverse that confirm its identification as a netsuke rather than a free-standing mask. The quality of carving, with its deeply cut brow, prominent eyes, and forceful expression, reflects the confident hand of an accomplished Meiji period carver.
The mask netsuke draws directly on the rich Japanese tradition of theatrical mask carving, compressing the formal vocabulary of full-scale Noh and Kyogen masks into a form small enough to be worn at the belt. Kyoto, from which this piece comes, was the historic center of both Noh theater and the craft traditions associated with it, and objects of this type produced in or collected in Kyoto carry a particular resonance. The warm dark patina of the wood and the wear consistent with regular handling confirm the age and use of this piece.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
