• Finely carved, top-quality, 19th Century, Wooden Japanese Netsuke Mask (Mennetsuke)
• The character depicted is Okame...a happy satisfied woman...often depicted with a cat.
• Okame; also known as Uzume or Otafuku is the name for the female counterpart of a traditional Japanese Kyogen theater pair.
• She is considered to be the goddess of mirth and is frequently seen in Japanese art.
• Her full cheeks and merry eyes are an unforgettable sight and a delight to behold.
• Some Japanese scholars theorize that long ago, when the first Okame masks were created, they may have represented an idealized form of feminine beauty.
• Styles and tastes are subject to change, and the ancient Japanese might be surprised to learn that the name Okame is today sometimes used as a less-than-appreciated joking taunt by Japanese husbands.
• In contrast, a famous and contemporary Japanese Kyogen actor once commented that the countenance of Okame is what every man hopes his bride will look like on his wedding night…
• The mask has been highly polished and has acquired a rich lustrous patina.
• Unsigned.
• Measures approximately 1.80 inches (4.5cm) wide, and 1.98 inches (5.0cm) tall.
• Many of my masks from my extensive collection are up for sale currently - including many Japanese masks and other Mennetsukes.