No. 93254525
![A fine ivory netsuke depicting the mask of Okame - Ivory - Japan - Edo period (19th century)](https://assets.catawiki.nl/assets/2025/1/21/a/e/0/ae09926e-3eb5-404a-a432-1e80057a4134.jpg)
A fine ivory netsuke depicting the mask of Okame - Ivory - Japan - Edo period (19th century)
No. 93254525
![A fine ivory netsuke depicting the mask of Okame - Ivory - Japan - Edo period (19th century)](https://assets.catawiki.nl/assets/2025/1/21/a/e/0/ae09926e-3eb5-404a-a432-1e80057a4134.jpg)
A fine ivory netsuke depicting the mask of Okame - Ivory - Japan - Edo period (19th century)
Ivory netsuke depicting a smiling Okame mask with excellent patina and softness to the touch.
The Okame mask represents a figure from traditional Japanese theater, often associated with luck, joy, and fertility. The Okame smile captures attention and conveys a sense of contagious joy. The facial features are carefully delineated, highlighting the expressive eyes and plump cheeks, distinctive features of Okame.
--- The netsuke is in very good condition. Please refer to the pictures for more details.
The most important collections of netsuke are now located outside of Japan, having been acquired in the late 19th and early 20th century by European and American collectors as the Japanese abandoned the daily use of netsuke in favor of a Westernization of their habits and customs.
The Netsuke ideogram, composed of the kanji "ne" (根) meaning "root" and "tsuke" (付け) meaning "to hang", indicates the origin of this object. Initially, the Netsuke was a root or a piece of cut wood, hung from the obi, the sash that tightens the kimono.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Netsuke became the collector's item par excellence, with specimens all different in subject, shape and material, which arouse curiosity and strike for their patina and for the small miniaturized details, but above all for their tactile charge.
However, it is important not to confuse authentic Netsuke with poor Chinese reproductions made of bone or other materials, which can confuse those who approach these objects for the first time.
To fully appreciate the difference in quality and material used, you need to caress, touch and observe these small Japanese sculptures closely.
This lot complies with the new European Community regulations for the trade of ivories worked before 1947.
The following documents will be delivered to the buyer:
-Original CITES certificate valid only in the European Union.
-Certificate of Antiquity compiled by Luca Mastromauro, Japanese art expert number 2617 registered at the Chamber of Commerce of Milan.
The lot will be carefully packed and shipped within 1 or maximum 2 working days from the day of payment. The shipping price includes delivery via UPS or DHL courier with full insurance and professional packaging.
The item cannot be sold outside the EU.
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