A RARE AND UNUSUAL WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF A CICADAUnsigned Japan, 18th-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Bushell, Raymond (1985), Netsuke Masks, pls. 288A and 288B.Well carved as a resting cicada, the veining of its folded wings carved in low relief, the antennae partly covering the eyes, the legs supposedly tucked in; the reverse, however, is hollowed out like a mask netsuke and fitted with a himotoshi crossbar. The wood of a particularly attractive grain and color with distinct markings.HEIGHT 5.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, tiny nicks, light scratches.Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond Bushell. European private collection P. Jacquesson.In his book Netsuke Masks, Raymond Bushell chose to include this unusual netsuke in the chapter Trick Mask Netsuke, noting that the “actor who represents the spirit of an insect generally wears the Usofuki mask. In this case the carver apparently preferred a realistic portrayal of the insect to the symbolic Usofuki.”