A WOOD AND LACQUER MASK NETSUKE OF OKAME (OTAFUKU)

拍品描述

A WOOD AND LACQUER MASK NETSUKE OF OKAME (OTAFUKU) Unsigned Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved as the face of Okame, her familiar rounded features transformed into an exaggerated comic expression, with dramatically inflated cheeks, narrowed elongated eyes, a broad nose, and pursed lips revealing two teeth. The smoothly polished wood is of an attractive warm tone, contrasting with the black-lacquered hair, neatly arranged in two rounded lobes above the forehead. The reverse is covered in gold fundame lacquer and fitted with a central bar pierced to form the himotoshi. HEIGHT 6.1 cm Okame, also known as Otafuku, is one of the most recognizable figures of Japanese popular culture, embodying good humor, happiness, and good fortune. While she is conventionally depicted with a gentle smile and serene, plump features, the present netsuke presents her in a notably animated and humorous manner, with her cheeks comically puffed and her lips drawn into an exaggerated pout. Such playful distortions of familiar characters appealed greatly to Edo-period netsuke carvers, who frequently explored caricature, theatrical expression, and visual wit within the intimate format of the netsuke. The name Otafuku may be interpreted as “much good fortune,” while Okame’s cheerful and benevolent appearance made her an enduring auspicious image associated with domestic happiness and prosperity. Literature comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of okame, illustrated in Bushell, Raymond (1985), Netsuke Masks, pl. 243. Compare a related wood netsuke of okame, illustrated in Bushell, Raymond (1985), Netsuke Masks, pl. 146.

图片