A wood head of a shishi. Carved from two separate parts, the head and the jaw, which offer the two views of koma-inu, often found at Buddhist temples with either open or closed mouth. It perhaps also refers to the Shishimai dance, held every New Year, but also at other celebrations where one or more individuals dance in a costume in the streets.
These costumes are composed of the mask dancer, then a train, denoting the rest of the Shishi body. They have wooden handles at various parts of the costume, aiding in dance and they really are quite a spectacle.
This netsuke has a fine colour, reddish brown, with darkened recesses. The finish is highly polished and ones fingers glide over all the lumps and bumps with delight. From a visual perspective the details have been accurately considered and the technique well executed.
Signed: Shuichi (Hidekazu)
The artist Shuichi is related to another artist Natsuki (sai) Hidemistu, who related himself to the area of Kishu (modern day Wakayama). Please see link for details.
4cm
