A WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF SANKA-JO BY THE DEME FAMILYBy the Deme family, wood mask netsukeJapan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Illustrated in 'Japanese Masks- Peter E. Mueller' by Max Rutherston (2017), no. 30The old man depicted smiling and the jaw attached with a string to the upper section, like the original Noh mask, from which this piece was copied. Signed DEME, for a member of the Deme family - the greatest dynasty of mask netsuke carvers.HEIGHT 4.8 CMCondition: A small restoration to the edge of the separate jaw - otherwise in good condition with a very appealing patinaProvenance: Peter E. Mueller Japanese Mask Collection