RANTEI: A RARE WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF USOFUKI
By Hogen Rantei, signed Rantei
Japan, Kyoto, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A rather large wood mask netsuke depicting Usofuki with comically funnel-shaped pressed forward lips, a well-carved nose, and large double-inlaid eyes of pale and dark horn. The backside with himotoshi through the central bridge where also the signature RANTEI 蘭亭 is located. Mask netsuke by Hogen Rantei are incredibly rare, Fuld's Index lists only one mask of Okame. Most great masters are known to have made mask netsuke occasionally, and the present netsuke is a very rare example by the great Kyoto master Rantei.

HEIGHT 5 cm

Condition: Very good condition.
Provenance: British collection.