96 - Ɏ TOMOTADA: A POWERFUL IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHIMAI MASK WITH MOVEABLE JAW

Ɏ TOMOTADA: A POWERFUL IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHIMAI MASK WITH MOVEABLE JAW Signed Tomotada 友忠 Japan, Kyoto, late 18 th-early 19 th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Superbly carved as a ferocious shishi head, the face animated by a hinged jaw opening to reveal the tongue and rows of sharp teeth. The bulging gilt-metal eyes set beneath sweeping brows, the broad nose with deeply hollowed nostrils. The cheeks, temples, and reverse are enveloped by a magnificent mane of well-carved and finely incised curls, contrasting with the rounded tufts across the crown. Three himotoshi underneath and signed TOMOTADA within a rectangular reserve. LENGTH 4.1 cm Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear and only very few age cracks. 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. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a karashishi with articulated jar by the same artist, signed Tomotada, illustrated in Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 69, no. 175. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number IT/CE/2024/MI/00313). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.