Antique Japanese Boxwood Netsuke Masks - Saru-tobide & Ko-tobide Style - 2pc Set

Antique Japanese Boxwood Netsuke Masks - Saru-tobide & Ko-tobide Style - 2pc Set

This is a rare pair of hand-carved Antique Japanese Netsuke made from premium Boxwood (Tsuge). The designs strongly resemble the "Saru-tobide" (Monkey Bulging-eye) and "Ko-tobide" (Small Bulging-eye) masks used in Kyogen theater, characterized by their energetic expressions and protruding eyes.

Key Features:

• Premium Boxwood: Carved from dense, fine-grained Tsuge, which has developed a deep, lustrous honey-colored patina over time.

• Masterful Character Work: Captures the whimsical and powerful spirit of Kyogen's supernatural and animal characters.

• Authentic Weighting: Each mask has three lead plugs on the reverse for balanced weight—a sign of genuine high-quality Netsuke craftsmanship.

• Provenance: The original wooden box features the red seal of the "Kawashima Collection" (川島蔵品), marking it as a curated heirloom.

Specifications:

• Quantity: Set of 2 Masks

• Size (per mask): 7.7 x 5.3 x 3.0 cm / 3.0 x 2.1 x 1.2 in

• Total Weight (pair): 104 g / 0.23 lbs

• Material: Boxwood (Tsuge), Lead weights

Condition: Antique condition with natural patina and minor damage.

• Wear on Masks: There is a noticeable chip (Hotsu) on the lower lip of one mask, and a small nick on the upper lip of the other.

• Box Condition: Two sides of the inner flange (San) on the underside of the lid are missing. The lid sits on top but is not snugly secured. Please inspect the detailed close-up photos of the lips and the box lid.