Superb Fine Antique Wooden Japanese Netsuke Mask Mennetsuke Otafuku/Okame

  

Boxwood with lacquer and beautiful patina. 5.0 cm in height, about 3.7 cm in diameter. Of a happy, satisfied, chubby woman with a charming Smile... 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..

This item is in the category "Antiques\Asian Antiques\Japan\Masks". The seller is "cosmic_goods" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped worldwide.

1. Primary Material: Wood
2. Type: Netsuke
3. Color: Red
4. Original/Reproduction: Original
5. Region of Origin: Japan
6. Age: 1850-1899
7. Maker: Unknown