Antique Japanese Netsuke
Nóh-Mask Dancer
Rotating Mask
Signature: Masatsugu, Circa: 19th Century
H 2.5 in.(6cm), W 1.5in.(4cm), D 1in.(2.5cm)
Condition: excellent!

This fine netsuke depicts an actor staging a Noh play. He is dressed princely, holding a folded fan in his left hand, and leaning slightly forward with his right arm raised, in an attempt to hide the demonic face with his large sleeve. This netsuke is represented with two well carved rotating faces, of which a handsome lad turns into a terrifying demon with bulging eyes and fangs. The netsuke is robust and radiates with energy. The large triangular shaped design with a slight curl makes it a joy to play with in the hand. The netsuke is carved from a quality ivory and is in excellent condition; which testifies that this netsuke is well designed for its purpose, and presumably it must had been treasured by its former owner(s).

The signature on the base of the carving verifies the name Masatsugu. According to the book "NETSUKE, A Comprehensive Study.." by Neil K. Davey, besides the famed Kaigyokusai Masatsugu who signed his name simply as Masatsugu before the age of twenty. there were at least five other 18-19th century netsuke carvers who shared the name Masatsugu. Whereas in this case, we attribute this signature to the Masatsugu of Hidemasa school in the mid 19th century.

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