Antique
Netsuke Gold Cufflinks Hannya
Masks Demon Mask Cufflink Pair
Unsigned. Circa:
Meiji, early 1900s' Each
H .1.25 in.(3.2cm.), W .75 in.(2cm.), D 1.25 in.(3cm.) Condition:
Excellent! A
pair of vigorous carved Hannya mask ivory netsuke, exquisitely crafted into a
set of gold cufflinks. An elegant statement of culture and sophistication, likely
created for export during the early Meiji era. The Hannya mask netsuke is a prototype
originated in the Noh Theatre. One famous Noh play "Dojoji" tells the legend of
Kiyohime and her love for the priest Anchin. When the beautiful young woman was
rejected, she turns into a ferocious demon headed serpent, coiling around the
bell where her lover is hiding, in which Anchin was burned into ashes in Kiyohime's
rage. Private Collection | |