NETSUKE: KARAKO WITH MASK.
Japan. Edo period. Early 19th c.

Tightly grained; dark-brown wood; finely carved and engraved; the back-painted eyes inlaid glass; the tongue red coral. Karako; sitting in festive gown; a devil's mask hiding behind his back and using the so-called Bekkako-gesture (pulling one lid down) in order to challenge his counterpart to be alert. Width 3.2cm. Sign.: Miwa & Kakihan; cf. MCI p. 559f.f. Kakihan "d". Condition B. One horn of the mask broken off.

Please note that objects made of ivory; rhinoceros horn and turtle shell; due to Cites regulations can only be sold within the European Community. At present the export in third countries is prohibited.
Art trade; Van Ham.