Page 119 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

239 | AN EXTREMELY RARE BUGAKU
MASK NETSUKE OF KOTOKURAKU

Unsigned, inscribed with the name of the mask ‘Kotokuraku’ 胡徳楽
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
published: Bushell, raymond (1985) Netsuke Masks, p. 17, no. 18
(with two views).
Exhibited: Bonhams, Paris, during the International Netsuke
238 | AN EXTREMELY RARE BUGAKU Collector’s Society Convention October 2019.
MASK NETSUKE OF ChIKYU

Unsigned, inscribed with the name of the mask ‘Chikyu’ 地久 Like no. 238, this extremely rare mask netsuke is a faithful copy
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) of another Bugaku mask, this time of Kotokuraku, used for the
Kotokuraku dance. The defining attribute is the prominently phallic
published: Bushell, raymond (1985) Netsuke Masks, p. 15, no. 11. nose, which in the original dance is attached by a cord to the mask
Bulletin Franco Japonais, no.1 43, Masques Extraordinaires, January and moves with the movement of the actor, swinging back and
2020, p. 16, no. 8. forth. This addition of movable elements in the masks is unique to
Gagaku and to the Bugaku dances and masks. The cord attachment
of the nose is ingeniously simulated in this netsuke with a carved
A faithful representation of the Bugaku mask of Chikyu worn for the loop. The side view of the mask also conveys the assumption that
Chikyu dance. The mask represents a young barbarian with a happy the nose is movable. The mask represents a young barbarian who
and broad smile. The main features are a long prominent nose, is ecstatically drunk. The netsuke is treated with red and black
gracefully curved eyes and eyebrows, and a characteristic medallion pigments, probably copied faithfully from the original Bugaku mask.
above the bridge of the nose. The netsuke is treated with red and Central bridge through the reverse, functioning as himotoshi,
black pigments, probably copied faithfully from the original Bugaku housing the inscription KOTOKUrAKU – the name of the mask.
mask. The reverse is carved with a central bridge, functioning as The sides with two small perforations which show where the string
himotoshi, housing the inscription CHIKyU – the name of the mask. would be attached in the original mask.
The sides with two small perforations which show where the string
would be attached in the original mask. As with previous no. 238, it is common to find Bugaku mask
netsuke inscribed with the name of the mask rather than signed
It is common to find Bugaku mask netsuke inscribed with the name by the artist, it can be assumed that this is out of respect for this
of the mask rather than signed by the artist, it can be assumed that ancient art form and for the sculptors of the masks used in the
this is out of respect for this ancient art form and for the sculptors respective dances.
of the masks used in the respective dances.
Bugaku masks are used for the Bugaku dance in the traditional
Bugaku masks are used for the Bugaku dance in the traditional music and dance performance known as Gagaku. The defining
music and dance performance known as Gagaku. The defining elements of this dance were introduced through Southeast Asia to
elements of this dance were introduced through Southeast Asia to the Chinese Tang court and its use in Japan dates back to the Heian
the Chinese Tang court and its use in Japan dates back to the Heian period (794-1185) and is still performed today. As with previous no.
period (794-1185) and is still performed today. The Southeast Asian 238, the Southeast Asian influences are particularly evident in the
influences are particularly evident in the present mask. present mask.

HEIGHT 4 cm HEIGHT 3.8 cm
Condition: Minor Condition: Minor
expected wear to expected wear to
polychrome pigments, polychrome pigments,
the wear is likely the wear is likely
at least partially at least partially
simulated. Very good simulated. Very good
condition. condition.
provenance: Ex Provenance: Ex
Collection raymond Collection raymond
Bushell sold in his Bushell sold in his
sale at Sotheby’s sale at Sotheby’s
London, 18 November London, 18 November
1999, lot 145. Then 1999, lot 145. Then
European collection P. European collection P.
Jacquesson. Jacquesson.
Estimate EUR 3.000,- A Bugaku mask of chikyu from Estimate EUR 3.000,- A Bugaku mask of Kotokuraku
Starting price EUr 1.500,- the Kamakura period (1185–1333) Starting price EUr 1.500,- from the Heian period (794–1185)

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