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Antique
Japanese Meiji Netsuke
Hakushiki-jo
Noh Theatre
Okina Mask
Netsuke Signature:
Gyokuzan. Circa: 19th century
H
1.75 in.(4.5cm), W 1.35 in.(3.5cm), D 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: Excellent Okina,
also known as The Three Rituals, is a performing art patterned after an ancient
ritualistic ceremony. Hakushiki-Jo is the classic Okina old man mask whose appearance
is described thus: “the eyebrows are shaggy, the eyes curved with laughter, there
are wrinkles on the forehead and cheeks, the upper and lower jaws are separated,
and he is laughing with all his heart.” The Noh mask is itself an object of worship,
and mask netsuke comprise a large subject category. Since netsuke carvers came
from different artistic backgrounds, some had worked as mask makers and knew the
characters well. This netsuke bears the signature Gyokuzan, a name belonging to
several well-known carvers, engraved without reserve on the bottom of the piece.
Private Collection |
