Antique Fine Japanese

Signed, Fine, Wooden Japanese Otafuku/Okame Netsuke Mask (Mennetsuke) 7cm Meiji

Signed, Fine, Wooden Japanese Otafuku/Okame Netsuke Mask (Mennetsuke) 7cm Meiji
Signed, Fine, Wooden Japanese Otafuku/Okame Netsuke Mask (Mennetsuke) 7cm Meiji
Signed, Fine, Wooden Japanese Otafuku/Okame Netsuke Mask (Mennetsuke) 7cm Meiji
Signed, Fine, Wooden Japanese Otafuku/Okame Netsuke Mask (Mennetsuke) 7cm Meiji
Signed, Fine, Wooden Japanese Otafuku/Okame Netsuke Mask (Mennetsuke) 7cm Meiji
Signed, Fine, Wooden Japanese Otafuku/Okame Netsuke Mask (Mennetsuke) 7cm Meiji
Signed, Fine, Wooden Japanese Otafuku/Okame Netsuke Mask (Mennetsuke) 7cm Meiji

Signed, Fine, Wooden Japanese Otafuku/Okame Netsuke Mask (Mennetsuke) 7cm Meiji

A JAPANESE LARGE CARVED NETSUKE OF OKAME. Artist signed on the rear. 7cm high, 6.5cm wide. Wonderful chubby face with charming smile representing an "Okame".

Okame is a happy satisfied woman... Often depicted with a cat. Okame, also known as Uzume or Otafuku is the name for the female counterpart of a traditional Japanese Kyogen theater pair.

She is considered to be the goddess of mirth and is frequently seen in Japanese art. Her full cheeks and merry eyes are an unforgettable sight and a delight to behold. Some Japanese scholars theorize that long ago, when the first Okame masks were created, they may have represented an idealized form of feminine beauty.

Styles and tastes are subject to change, and the ancient Japanese might be surprised to learn that the name Okame is today sometimes used as a less-than-appreciated joking taunt by Japanese husbands. In contrast, a famous and contemporary Japanese Kyogen actor once commented that the countenance of Okame is what every man hopes his bride will look like on his wedding night..

The item "Signed, Fine, Wooden Japanese Otafuku/Okame Netsuke Mask (Mennetsuke) 7cm Meiji" is in sale since Monday, July 8, 2019. This item is in the category "Antiques\Asian Antiques\Japan\Masks". The seller is "cosmic_goods" and is located in Freeport, Maine.

This item can be shipped worldwide.

  • Type: Netsuke
  • Region of Origin: Japan
  • Age: 1900-1940
  • Primary Material: Wood
  • Maker: Unknown
  • Original/Reproduction: Original
  • Color: Brown


Signed, Fine, Wooden Japanese Otafuku/Okame Netsuke Mask (Mennetsuke) 7cm Meiji