A JAPANESE SAISHIKI (PAINTED WOOD) NETSUKE OF A RANRYO-O DANCER

A JAPANESE SAISHIKI (PAINTED WOOD) NETSUKE OF A RANRYO-O DANCER
EDO/MEIJI, 19TH CENTURY

Boldly carved, the bugaku performer is depicted standing on one leg and holding a baton, wearing his typical colourful garments and fearsome mask surmounted by a small dragon, his train gathering down behind his back, 9.7cm.

Provenance: from the Mark and Elizabeth Harding Collection, South Africa. With a copy of a receipt from Sarzi-Amadè Limited, London, dated 17th May 1990, where the netsuke is listed. By repute, purchased from Spink & Son Ltd.