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1980.34.270

Netsuke toggle showing a group of seven masks, four on one side and three on the other [L.Ph 'DCF 2004-2006 What's Upstairs?' 5/4/2005]

On display

1980.34.270

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Collection type
Object
Description
Netsuke toggle showing a group of seven masks, four on one side and three on the other [L.Ph 'DCF 2004-2006 What's Upstairs?' 5/4/2005]
Geographical reference
Japan
Asia > Eastern Asia > Japan
Cultural groups
Japanese
Person
Field collector John Norman Collie
PRM source Hermann Arthur Gunther
PRM source Albert Everard Gunther
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1921
Date collected
By 1921
Acquisition information
Loaned: 1944 Donated: 1980
Materials and processes
Material Elephant Tooth Ivory Animal, Process Carved
Dimensions
Width: max 33 mm, Length: max 38 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1980.34.270
Research and responses

Ko-beshimi is a Noh mask of a demon with firmly closed lips, a strained and fierce look and cold sharp eyes. http://www.the-noh.com/sub/jp/index.php?mode=db&action=e_view_detail&data_id=38&class_id=1

Shojo is a Noh mask of a spirit that lives in the sea and loves drinking. See http://www.the-noh.com/sub/jp/index.php?mode=db&action=e_view_detail&data_id=41&class_id=1.

Okame, also known as Uzume or Ama no Uzume no Mikoto, is the Goddess of Mirth, who helped to get Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, out of the cave into which she had retired. 'She is an extremely common type in Japanese art, with puffed-out cheeks and an everlastingly smiling face, small mouth, narrow forehead with two ornamental black spots, the hair brought in two bandeaux over the temples.' (Henri L. Joly, Legend in Japanese Art, London 1908, p. 383)

Namabari is a Noh-mask depicting a woman in the preliminary stage of becoming a demon, because she is so filled with grudge and anger. See http://www.the-noh.com/sub/jp/index.php?mode=db&action=e_view_detail&data_id=61&class_id=1

Hyottoko is a Noh mask, described in 'Japan Encyclopedia' as 'perhaps an old mask used in Kagura, portraying a peasant with a stubbled face and protruding lips, with a comical appearance'. (Japan Encyclopedia, by Louis Frederic, Harvard University Press 2002).

Okina is a mask of an old man. See http://www.the-noh.com/sub/jp/index.php?mode=db&action=e_index&class_id=1. [El.B 03/02/2012]

Search terms: Ornament, Clothing, Figure, Mask, Music, Toggle, Musical Instrument