Mask of Okina

Possibly Osai

20th century

  • Titles Mask of Okina (Descriptive)
  • Artist Possibly, Osai, Japan
  • Medium ivory
  • Dimensions 1 7/16 x 1 1/16 x 1/2 in. (3.7 x 2.7 x 1.3 cm)
  • Credit Line Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alan R. Liss, 1991.1031.24
  • Work Type netsuke
  • Classification Sculpture

See More of the Collection

Finely carved as a fisherman seated on a rock depicted with his right arm raised, the hand holding a fishing pole. At his feet is a basket.
Actor Onoe Baikō IV as Nurse Masaoka's Lady, Utagawa Kunisada, ink and color on paper
This jar was made in two halves, as evidenced from the groove in the center where the two pieces were joined. The jar was then decorated with a freely drawn dragon then fired. The numerous imperfections in the clay body are typical of 17th century pieces and in the Korean mind give character to each jar. Likewise, the brown painting displays subtle gradations and variations in texture that enliven the picture of the dragon.
Squat baluster-form body painted with lotus scrolls, pointed leaves around the wide neck, and a band of vertical brush strokes around the foot