Antique Japanese Meiji Ivory Netsuke
Hakushiki-jo
Noh Theatre Okina Mask
Netsuke Signature: Gyokuzan. Circa: 19th century
H 1.75 in.(4.5cm), W 1.35 in.(3.5cm), D 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: Excellent

Okina, also known as The Three Rituals, is a performing art patterned after an ancient ritualistic ceremony. Hakushiki-Jo is the classic Okina old man mask whose appearance is described thus: “the eyebrows are shaggy, the eyes curved with laughter, there are wrinkles on the forehead and cheeks, the upper and lower jaws are separated, and he is laughing with all his heart.” The Noh mask is itself an object of worship, and mask netsuke comprise a large subject category. Since netsuke carvers came from different artistic backgrounds, some had worked as mask makers and knew the characters well. This netsuke bears the signature Gyokuzan, a name belonging to several well-known carvers, engraved without reserve on the bottom of the piece.

Private Collection