Japanese netsuke in the form of an Hannya mask

 
Japanese netsuke in the form of an Hannya mask
 
Origin: Japan
 
Material: Boxwood (Buxus sp.)
 
Maker: not signed
 
Age: 19th century
 
Condition: Excellent with a lovely patina
 
Comments:
A netsuke is a toggle used at one end of the cord which is hung over the obi (waistband). The other end of the cord has an inro (a small tiered storage container for medicine, money, etc) and the netsuke serves to stop the cord and the inro from slipping through the obi.
The Hannya mask is used in Japanese theatre (such as Noh and Kyogen) to represent women who have become demons as a result of their obsession and jealousy.
 
Stock no: F276
 
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