Antique Popping Eyes Trick Ivory Netsuke
Okame
Rise and Yawn
Netsuke Signature: Gyokuichi, Circa: 19th century
Recorded in: Netsuke, A Comprehensive Study Based on
the M.T. Hindson Collection by Neil K. Davey, #403
H 2.6 in.(6.5cm.), W 1.25 in.(3cm.), D 1 in.(2.5cm.)
Condition: Excellent

This netsuke depicts the Goddess Okame is awakening from her dream. Her rise and yawn gesture is undoubtedly a design from the Dharuma prototype. A humorous touch quite suitable for this funny Shinto goddess. As the legend has it, in a fit of anger at her brother, the Sun Goddess once hid herself in a cave and refuse to come out. In the ensuring darkness that envelop the world, the gods tried in vain to convince her return. Finally, the Goddess Okame performed a licentious dance in front of the cave, which provoked the uproarious laughter of the deities. As the Sun Goddess peeks through from her hiding, she too became laughing and returned to the world.

Private Collection