Netsuke, figure of a sleeping No actor, carved ivory, Japan, ca. 1800-1850.
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1800-1850
This carved ivory netsuke is in the form of a sleeping actor with a floral robe reclining on the floor, partly on his side, with his left arm supporting the side of his head and the other arm resting on his body, with crossed ankles; Lying on his body near his head is a mask with a firece expression.
Netsuke were made in a variety of forms, the most widely appreciated being the katabori (shape carving), a three-dimensional carving, such as this one in the form of a sleeping actor with a mask. The fierce expression of the mask contrasts effectively with the contented sleeping face of the actor.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Dimensions
- Length 7 cm
- Materials and techniques
- Carved ivory
Technical characteristics
- Place recorded
- Japan
Identification
- Candidate id
- vam-O223852
- Museum object number
- A.834-1910
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked single-object source. Wider type attribution and authenticity have not been independently verified.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm the wider type and source attribution against specialist references.