DEME UMAN: AN UNUSUAL WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF USOFUKI

拍品描述

DEME UMAN: AN UNUSUAL WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF USOFUKI By Deme Uman, signed Deme Uman Japan, Edo (Tokyo), late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Amusingly carved as the Kyogen mask type Usofuki, the face with a striking, almost tribal character and a highly comical expression, the lips puckered and dramatically skewed to one side as if whistling or feigning ignorance. The large eyes are painted red with pierced pupils, set beneath deeply incised brows and a wrinkled forehead. The wood is attractively polished and bears a rich, dark patina. The reverse with a central himotoshi bar and signed DEME UMAN. HEIGHT 3.7 cm Deme Uman was the grandson of Deme Juman, who is regarded as the originator of mask netsuke. Uman is considered among the most celebrated makers of mask netsuke and worked almost invariably in wood. Usofuki is a Kyogen mask type, easily recognized by its pursed or puckered lips, giving the actor a distinctly comic expression. The term derives from usobuku, meaning to whistle, exhale sharply, pretend ignorance, or boast, all associations perfectly captured in the present mask’s mischievously distorted mouth.

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