Page 118 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

236 | A RARE WOOD GYODO MASK
NETSUKE OF TAMONTEN
and decorated with a finely incised flower, indicating the four
Inscribed with the name of the mask ‘Tamonten’ 天聞多 directions, in high relief against a stippled ground. One central
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) himotoshi through the back, above the inscription ‘Tamonten’, the
other himotoshi natural through the opening of the mask in the
published: Bushell, raymond (1985) Netsuke Masks, p. 19, no. 29. underside.
Gyodo is a Japanese Buddhist ceremony where the procession
A religious Gyodo wood mask netsuke depicting Tamonten, one is purely religious. Gyodo masks are the earliest known masks in
of the four Shi Tenno (heavenly kings), the guardians of the four Japan and were not worn by actors but by priests. As with Gigaku
directions. Tamonten guards the north and is derived from the and Bugaku masks (nos. 238 & 239), the Gyodo mask netsuke were
Hindu deity Kubera. never signed but rather inscribed with the name of the mask, out
of respect for the ceremony and for the sculptors of the original
The wood mask netsuke is finely carved from a dark wood with masks.
reddish hues. The expression radiates with Buddhism – the
sculptors of the original Gyodo masks also carved fixed images HEIGHT 3.5 cm, LENGTH 3.3 cm
of Buddha in different manifestations, various divinities, and
bodhisattvas. Tamonten has large ears with thick lobes, finely Condition: Excellent condition.
carved hair which appears like wings on the sides, and sensitively provenance: Ex collection raymond Bushell, then European 237 | A LARGE AND pOWERFUL WOOD MASK
crafted lips. He has two pierced eyeholes, like the life-size masks collection P. Jacquesson. NETSUKE OF A NIO
would have. The original shape of the Gyodo mask is also retained,
as this type would cover the entire head and neck. The guardian Estimate EUR 4.000,- Unsigned
deity wears a headpiece surmounted by a tear-shaped finial Starting price EUr 2.000,- Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The wood bearing an excellent patina and the carving is executed
expressively. The Nio has downcast eyes, furrowed brows and his
mouth is opened as he exclaims. The himotoshi in the back is in the
shape of a bundled straw rope from a waraji (sandal), an attribute
the temple guardian is often paired with, as pilgrims would donate
their worn sandals to the temple guardians, which flanked the
temple entrances, in the hope of healing their exhausted feet.
HEIGHT 6.6 cm
Condition: Good condition, minor wear including small cracks.
provenance: Acquired from a local auction house in 2015, then
European private collection P. Jacquesson.
Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUr 1.000,-

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