Description NAOAKI: A BOXWOOD MASK NETSUKE OF HANNYASigned Minamoto Naoaki 源直明, with a kaoJapan, Edo period (1615-1868), 19th centuryWell carved as the female demon Hannya, the jaw open, revealing teeth and fangs, the long hair neatly incised falling down the sides and meandering around the horns, the eyes pierced. The himotoshi bar at the back signed and inscribed - Kodama Omi saku no men, Minamoto Naoaki with a kao monogram [Made by Minamoto Naoaki with a kao monogram, based on a mask made by Kodama Omi], and with a single himotoshi. The wood attractively worn.HEIGHT 5.3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and light surface scratches.Provenance: European collection.Auction result comparison: Compare a netsuke possibly by the same artist, having an identical Kao monogram, at Bonhams London in The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine NetsukePart III on 6 November 2018, lot 86,sold for GBP 4,375.