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netsuke
Hoshunsai Masayuki
early 19th century
ivory manju with Noh chanter
diameter 1 5/8 in., 4.1 cm
Carved in high relief with a seated man in courtly robes holding a folding fan, his head tilted back as if he were singing or chanting. Shinto paper ornaments are suspended above his head. On the reverse a dancer retreats holding a tsuzumi drum. Signed on the reverse, Hoshunsai Masayuki with kao.
The interior has a later sumi ink inscription 'akubi no' (yawning) apparently an erroneous reference to the seated Noh performer with his mouth agape.
$1,850
another view and signature

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