HIDARI ISSAN: A BOXWOOD MASK NETSUKE OF OTO By Hidari Issan, signed Hidari Issan Japan, Iwashiro, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Rutherston, Max (2017) Japanese Masks, Peter E. Müller, no. 97. This pale boxwood netsuke mask depicts Oto, a mask used for female characters in Kyogen, a form of traditional Japanese comic theatre. She is depicted with plump cheeks and smiling, the hair lacquered in black. Himotoshi on the central bridge on the reverse and signature HIDARI ISSAN 左一山. HEIGHT 4.6 cm Condition: Very good condition, minimal wear to black lacquer. Provenance: Peter E. Müller Mask Collection.