SOKYU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF AN OKINA MASK

拍品描述

SOKYU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF AN OKINA MASK By Sokyu, signed Sokyu 藻丘 Japan, Osaka, late 19th to early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Exquisitely carved as an Okina mask, the aged face rendered with deeply incised forehead wrinkles, arched bushy brows, and gently smiling eyes. The cheeks are adorned with spiral motifs, while the long moustache and pointed beard are carved with finely incised strands, lending the mask a benevolent and animated expression. Particularly noteworthy is the meticulous attention to detail: the cords securing the mask are faithfully rendered, tied beneath the chin as on an actual Noh mask and continuing to the reverse, where they are neatly gathered into a bow that ingeniously forms the himotoshi. Signed to the reverse SOKYU. HEIGHT 4.4 cm Despite some similarities in style, Sokyu is not related to the school of Soko but was a pupil of Toshiyama Soko in Osaka. The Okina mask, more specifically Hakushikijo ("White Old Man"), is one of the oldest and most revered masks in the Noh repertoire. Worn in the ritual play Okina, it symbolizes longevity, prosperity, and good fortune, and is distinguished by its white beard from the black-bearded Kokushikijo mask used in the accompanying Sanbaso dance.

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