Netsuke, ivory. Japan, 19th cent.
A man sitting on a tree trunk (or rock) carries a big mask with shishi head on his back. This is required for the shishimai, called "lion dance", traditional for the new year. Wearing a head scarf and grinning with pleasure, this man could be a mask carver delivering his products and here just enjoying a break. A small mask is held in front of him. The lion head is impressive and rather created as more of a mythical creature with a horn, fletching its teeth. Little himotoshi on the side, nice polish and patina; the piece might have once been the handle of a small seal and was attached as netsuke.
HEIGHT 6,3 CM
From a German collection