A STAG ANTLER MASK NETSUKE OF HYOTTOKO Unsigned Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Carved from a remarkably large, thick, and solid (no plugs needed) piece of antler. The comical face pressing the lips forward to one side, one eye closed and one opened, and with a large cloth wrapped around his head. Himotoshi through the back. HEIGHT 5.7 cm Condition: Excellent condition with minuscule surface wear and natural flaws to the material. Provenance: European collection P. Jacquesson, purchased from Dorotheum, Vienna, on 13 October 2005. This mask appears in the traditional dance dengaku and is used mostly for comic relief and during festivals. The origin of the name actually comes from "fire" (火, hi) and "man" (男, otoko), because the character is usually seen blowing fire with a bamboo pipe, hence the shape of the mouth. In some parts of northeastern Japan, Hyottoko is regarded as the god of fire.