Japanese Wood Mask Bakedanuki Yokai Monster Signed Yoshino Tadao Market Fresh

Rare / Fresh to the Market: This piece comes from a single private collection of nearly 80 works by this artist. Since there is virtually no information available about Yoshino Tadao in public databases or online, it is highly likely that his works have rarely, if ever, appeared on the open market. This represents a unique opportunity to acquire a work by a skilled "hidden" craftsman that has been kept within a private collection until now.

• Subject: "Bake-danuki" (Shape-shifting Tanuki) or Yokai. Unlike typical cute raccoon dog figures, this mask depicts a fierce, supernatural entity with piercing eyes and sharp fangs, capturing the mysterious essence of Japanese folklore.

• Artist / Signature: The interior is finished in vermilion lacquer and bears the handwritten signatures "Tanuki" (狸) and "Tadao" (忠雄).

• Construction: Hand-carved wood with a glossy lacquered finish.

• Jaw Mechanism: The lower jaw is detachable and secured with a screw mechanism.

  • Note: It is designed to be fixed in place when the screw is tightened. It does not move freely like a puppet; however, the angle can be slightly adjusted when the screw is loosened.

• Finish: The surface exhibits a fine network of crackles (Kannyu style). This is likely a result of the aging of the thick lacquer/varnish, giving it a profound antique texture similar to glazed pottery.

Size & Weight

• Height: 16.5 cm / 6.49 in

• Width: 14.5 cm / 5.70 in

• Length (Depth): 18.0 cm / 7.08 in

• Weight: 677 g / 1.49 lbs (Solid wood)

Condition Condition: Vintage / Excellent

• Wood: Excellent structural condition.

• Surface: The fine crackles on the surface are part of the finish/aging process and add character.

• Interior: Clean, with clear signatures.