A RARE HORNBILL MASK NETSUKE OF AN ONI
Unsigned
Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Published: M. Rutherston, Japanese Masks, Peter E. Mueller, 2017, no. 139.

A finely carved and powerful depiction of an oni. The horns are unusual and probably inspired by a European faun-devil. The mask netsuke is carved from hornbill (honen), a rare material brilliantly utilized here, with the red section of the bill visible on the sides. Himotoshi through the central bridge in the reverse.

HEIGHT 4.2 cm

Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Peter E. Mueller Mask Collection.

Auction comparison: For a similar netsuke by Jugyoku see Sotheby's, The Katchen Collection of Netsuke, 8 November 2005, London, lot 65.