Beschreibung:

Katalognummer: NE0920-239 AN EXTREMELY RARE BUGAKU MASK NETSUKE OF KOTOKURAKU Unsigned, inscribed with the name of the mask ‘Kotokuraku’ 胡徳楽 Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Bushell, Raymond (1985) Netsuke Masks, p. 17, no. 18 (with two views). Exhibited: Bonhams, Paris, during the International Netsuke Collector’s Society Convention October 2019. Like no. 238, this extremely rare mask netsuke is a faithful copy of another Bugaku mask, this time of Kotokuraku, used for the Kotokuraku dance. The defining attribute is the prominently phallic nose, which in the original dance is attached by a cord to the mask and moves with the movement of the actor, swinging back and forth. This addition of movable elements in the masks is unique to Gagaku and to the Bugaku dances and masks. The cord attachment of the nose is ingeniously simulated in this netsuke with a carved loop. The side view of the mask also conveys the assumption that the nose is movable. The mask represents a young barbarian who is ecstatically drunk. The netsuke is treated with red and black pigments, probably copied faithfully from the original Bugaku mask. Central bridge through the reverse, functioning as himotoshi, housing the inscription KOTOKURAKU – the name of the mask. The sides with two small perforations which show where the string would be attached in the original mask. As with previous no. 238, it is common to find Bugaku mask netsuke inscribed with the name of the mask rather than signed by the artist, it can be assumed that this is out of respect for this ancient art form and for the sculptors of the masks used in the respective dances. Bugaku masks are used for the Bugaku dance in the traditional music and dance performance known as Gagaku. The defining elements of this dance were introduced through Southeast Asia to the Chinese Tang court and its use in Japan dates back to the Heian period (794-1185) and is still performed today. As with previous no. 238, the Southeast Asian influences are particularly evident in the present mask. HEIGHT 3.8 cm Condition: Minor expected wear to polychrome pigments, the wear is likely at least partially simulated. Very good condition. Provenance: Ex Collection Raymond Bushell sold in his sale at Sotheby’s London, 18 November 1999, lot 145. Then European collection P. Jacquesson.   Schätzpreis 估價: € 3.000 Startpreis 起拍價: € 1.500 -