TOEN: A POLYCHROME ITTOBORI WOOD NETSUKE OF AN NOH ACTOR IN THE ROLE OF KYOHIME

拍品描述

TOEN: A POLYCHROME ITTOBORI WOOD NETSUKE OF AN NOH ACTOR IN THE ROLE OF KYOHIME By Morikawa Toen (1820-1894), signed with the artist’s kakihan Japan, Nara, second half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Carved in the ittobori ("single-cut") technique, the netsuke depicts a Noh actor in the role of Kyōhime, captured mid-performance with an intense, expressive countenance. The actor is dressed in elaborately patterned robes painted in red, black, green, and cream, the bold colors accentuating the crisp, angular carving and carefully rendered folds of the costume. The face is animated by a furrowed brow, broad nose, and open mouth, conveying the dramatic emotion of the performance. Himotoshi to the reverse above Morikawa Toen's characteristic kakihan. HEIGHT 5.9 cm Morikawa Toen was renowned both as a sculptor of Nara ningyo (Nara dolls) and as a Noh actor. His work was admired by the daimyo of Tosa and the magistrate of Nara, who bestowed upon him names derived from Japanese mythology, and he later enjoyed the patronage of the Imperial Household. During his distinguished career he received numerous awards and was commissioned by the newly established Tokyo Imperial Museum to produce copies of important ancient works of art. His netsuke depicting Noh actors are among his most celebrated creations and are particularly admired for their bold ittobori carving and vivid polychromy. Museum comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a Noh actor, by Morikawa Toen, dated to the mid-late 19th century, 4 cm high, formerly in the Trumpf collection and now in the Linden Museum Stuttgart, inventory number OA 18891.

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