AN UNUSUAL WOOD AND IVORY NETSUKE OF A SNEEZER AS A NOH ACTOR BY HOKEI
Wood netsuke with ivoryJapan19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An unusual representation, because it depicts a man with more resemblance to a sneezer than a noh actor. However, he holds in his right hand a mask of okina and wears a mask of a warrior on his face, while he has his mouth wide open and is about to sneeze. The underside with good irregular himotoshi next to an inlaid ivory signature reading HOKEI.HEIGHT c. 3.5 CMCondition: Good condition, the wood with normal surface scratches and a good patinaProvenance: Collection of Sam Felton with CITES permit no. 18US59513C/9. Purchased from Charles & co. Imports Inc. on 7 July 1975 (old invoice available).Literature: Hokei is listed in ‘Netsuke & Inro Artists and how to read their signatures’ by George Lazarnick, 1981, page 482. The netsuke (not illustrated) is that of a sneezer (self tickler).