Japanese Works of Art - 13th November 2025

Lot 791

A JAPANESE SAISHIKI (PAINTED WOOD) MASK OF A NIŌ (BUDDHIST GUARDIAN KING)

Estimate £400 - £600 | Hammer £356

Inc. Buyers Premium

Description

A JAPANESE SAISHIKI (PAINTED WOOD) MASK OF A NIŌ (BUDDHIST GUARDIAN KING)
MEIJI ERA, 19TH CENTURY

Possibly carved in hinoki (cypress wood), the surface painted in red pigment over gesso; the deity is depicted grimacing with a furrowed brow, the reverse with a three-character signature, possibly for Tessai, and an unidentified paper collection label; 6cm.

Provenance: from the Mark and Elizabeth Harding Collection, South Africa.

WITHOUT RESERVE