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SIGNED JAPANESE MEIJI PERIOD KABUKI NOH OKINA MASK NETSUKE

$250.00

Quantity

A Well detailed, antique ivory Sambaso mask netsuke, signed 'Koichi', late 19th century. From the Robert Dupont collection, collectors mark intact #37. A near identical netsuke from the same workshop was auctioned at John Nicholson’s in Surrey, England on 9/23/2015. In excellent condition with age crack at himatoshi bridge on the back. 1 5/8” Tall X 1 1/8” wide.

Japanese Masks: Sambaso
The word Sambaso literally means, “The third Oldest Man”, and is a character performing a prologue in a classical play, either in Noh or Kabuki or Bunraku. Sambaso is performed as a greeting to the audience on behalf of the actor’s performing that night; and the role of Sambaso is always performed by the “third Oldest man” in the ensemble of actors. On New Year’s Day Sambaso is always the first actor to appear onstage to greet the audience.

*Note* This is a restricted trade item that meets CITES guidelines as an antique carving.