TOYOMASA: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A SHISHIMAI DANCER By Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856), signed Toyomasa 豊昌
Japan, Sasayama, Tanba province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Finely carved as a reclining Shishimai dancer, wearing the traditional lion mask with inlaid eyes of dark horn, depicted in a dynamic posture, resting on his arms hidden away underneath the robe, one leg propped up next to the body, the other folded underneath. The details are finely carved and characteristically accentuated with black staining. The surface is embellished with sumptuous inlays of aogai (mother-of-pearl). Also note the elaborately worked pattern on the dancer’s trousers. Natural himotoshi and signature underneath TOYOMASA.

LENGTH 4.8 cm

Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: British private collection.

The Shishimai dance is commonly performed during the New Year to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits, and the lion dancers may be accompanied by flute and drum musicians. It is also performed at other festivals and celebrations. In some of these performances, the lions may bite people on the head to bring good luck.

An unusual subject for Toyomasa, most likely a later work by the master or by one of his pupils.

Literature comparison:
For another work by Toyomasa of Daruma with a hossu, exhibiting the use of inlays on wood, see Meinertzhagen / Lazarnick (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 956. 5% or 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer’s premium – only for buyers within the EU.