| 
|
Antique Popping Eyes
Trick 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
|