TESSAI: A RARE LACQUERED GIGAKU WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF GOJO
By Kano Tessai (1845-1925), signed Tessai to with kao
Japan, early 20th century

Published: M. Rutherston, Japanese Masks, Peter E. Mueller, 2017, no. 10.

An exact miniature portrait of the Gigaku mask of Gojo, also known as the lady of Wu, as she represents a court lady from the Wu kingdom (222-280). This mask was used in the play Konron. The mask also very much resembles the 'fat ladies' of the Tang dynasty. A central bridge forms the himotoshi on the underside, where also the signature TESSAI 鐵哉 to and kao is located. With original wood box, signed and sealed by the artist.

HEIGHT 3.6 cm

Condition: Excellent condition. The flaking of the lacquer is most likely on purpose, as Tessai was known to reproduce exact images of historical masks.
Provenance: Peter E. Mueller Mask Collection.

Kano Tessai (1845-1925) came from a Gifu family and started his life as a Buddhist priest, though his father instructed him in the art of carving. He studied Chinese literature and drawing and was a professor at Tokyo art school in 1872. He was also on the examining committee for investigating the ancient art of Japan and subsequently went to Nara where he engaged in the reproductions of old objects of art, such as the present example. Gigaku was the traditional music theatre, performed in silent mime, of the Japanese Court from the 7th to 10th centuries. Introduced in 612 from Korea, Gigaku reached great popularity in the Nara period (710‑794). Gigaku is a combination of Togaku, derived from China during the Tang dynasty, Komagaku from Korea, and original Japanese music. Kano Tessai was heavily engaged in a revival of ancient Japanese culture by emulating the patina and feeling of Gigaku masks in the form of his own miniature masterpieces.