A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting a crouching Shishimai dancer - Legno, bosso - Giappone - Meiji period (late 19th century)

A boxwood netsuke depicting a smiling Shishimai dancer crouching. The figure wears the typical mantle associated with the ritual lion dance, while the shishi mask falls onto his back, finely carved with detailed treatment of the muzzle and jaws.

The Shishimai dance is a traditional Japanese performance enacted for good fortune and protection, in which dancers animate the lion mask through rhythmic and choreographed movements.

Netsuke, composed of the kanji ne (根), meaning "root," and tsuke (付け), meaning "to attach," are small Japanese sculptures originally used as fasteners to secure objects to the sashes of kimono (obi 帯). From the late 19th century they became highly collectible in Europe and America, admired for the variety of subjects, the fine details, the patina and their strong tactile appeal.

---The netsuke is in very good condition. Please refer to the pictures for further details.

The item will be carefully packed and shipped via DHL or FedEx, accompanied by the original certificate of authenticity issued by Mastromauro Japanese art gallery based in Milan, Italy.
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