Antique
Japanese Okimono Netsuke
Sambaso
Dancer
Holding Fan
Artist
Signature: Gyokugetsu, early 20th century
H 2.25 in.(5.25cm), W 1.5 in.(3.5cm), D 1in.(2.5cm)
Condition: missing rattle, o.a. good Antique
netsuke size okimono in cream with age patina, finely engraved details in the
face and the embroideries of the dancer’s costume, some of which are colored with
sumi, while the cloud forms on the back of the garment are left unstained. Matte
texture in the hat and trousers is the result of cross hatching and light staining,
as is the detail of the sleeves of the undergarment. The carving is mounted on
a small ivory slab which is signed on the bottom alongside an engraving of a leaf:
Gyokugetsu. Sambaso is an ancient ritual dance that originated as a ceremony to
thwart earthquakes and to drive off demons and ghosts by the rattling of suzu
bells. It first appeared in the palace repertoire in 773 C.E.
Private Collection
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