A POWERFUL WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF A SHISHI HEAD WITH MOVEABLE JAW

拍品描述

A POWERFUL WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF A SHISHI HEAD WITH MOVEABLE JAW Unsigned Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Superbly carved as a ferocious shishi head, the scowling face animated by a hinged jaw opening to reveal the tongue and rows of sharp teeth. The eyes are inlaid in dark horn beneath deeply furrowed brows, the broad nose pierced with hollowed nostrils, and the mane is finely incised in heavy curls falling over the back of the head, echoed by the similarly carved beard. The forehead is ornamented with eleven distinct star-shaped whorls. The underside is pierced with three square apertures, likely inspired by the structural openings of a larger temple or festival mask and here serving as the cord attachment. LENGTH 4 cm Shishi masks have deep roots in Japanese ritual and performance traditions. Introduced through continental forms of dance and drama, they became closely associated with shishimai, the lion dance performed to ward off disease, calamity, and malevolent forces. Over time, the ritual developed into a popular form of festive entertainment, while retaining its auspicious and protective meaning. The movable jaw of the present netsuke vividly recalls the animated masks used in such performances. Auction comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of a shishi mask, by Tametaka, dated to the late 18th century, 4.2 cm long, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 28 April 2023, Vienna, lot 68 (sold for EUR 9,750).

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