Items Similar to Japanese Netsuke – Grotesque Mask, Edo To Early Meiji Period (circa 1820–1880)
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
Japanese Netsuke – Grotesque Mask, Edo To Early Meiji Period (circa 1820–1880)
$778.79
£579.65
€650
CA$1,066.75
A$1,186.46
CHF 619.53
MX$14,437.97
NOK 7,912.38
SEK 7,420.42
DKK 4,948.22
Shipping
Retrieving quote...The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation
About the Item
"Japanese Netsuke – Grotesque Mask, Edo To Early Meiji Period (circa 1820–1880)"
A finely carved and expressive wooden mask-style netsuke, depicting a grotesque theatrical or folkloric face — likely inspired by a Tengu or Kyōgen demon mask. This compact piece measures approximately 6.5 cm high and is carved from dense hardwood, likely Japanese boxwood (tsuge), known for its fine grain and durability.
The mask features deeply incised lines and stylized swirling forms, with a bold central protrusion — possibly a long nose or abstract horn — emerging from the brow. The exaggerated features, intense gaze, and dramatic carving are characteristic of folk or provincial netsuke, emphasizing character over anatomical precision.
The netsuke retains a beautiful, rich natural patina, developed over many decades of handling. The back is hollowed in the traditional manner, and the himotoshi (cord holes) are drilled and worn, confirming practical use as a toggle for inro or pouch.
Unsigned, as is typical for folk-carved Edo-period examples, this piece likely originated in a rural workshop or from an independent craftsman rather than a formal school. Such netsuke are increasingly appreciated for their rarity, cultural authenticity, and connection to everyday Edo-period life.
Details
Origin: Japan
Period: Late Edo to early Meiji (circa 1820–1880)
Material: Hardwood
Dimensions: 6.5 cm (height)
Type: Mask netsuke (katabori)
Condition: Good, with wear consistent with age and use
- Dimensions:Height: 2.56 in (6.5 cm)Width: 1.62 in (4.1 cm)Depth: 1.58 in (4 cm)
- Style:Meiji (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:19th century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. normal age traces.
- Seller Location:Bilzen, BE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10361246013152
About the Seller
New to 1stDibs
Joined in the past six months.
5.0
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 1987
1stDibs seller since 2025
7 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Bilzen, Belgium
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllJapanese Boxwood Netsuke – Monk In Ecstasy, Edo Period
Located in Bilzen, BE
"Japanese Boxwood Netsuke – Monk In Ecstasy, Edo Period"
Japanese Boxwood Netsuke – Chanting Monk Figure, Late Edo to Early Meiji Period (ca. 1800–1880)
Unsigned (mumei), finely carv...
Category
Antique 19th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Japanese bronze Okimono , Edo period
Located in Bilzen, BE
Japanese bronze okimono from the Edo period in its old patina and good condition,
Beautiful quality and expression
Height 30 cm, not signed
Category
Antique 18th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Pair Of Satsuma Earthenware Vases "zenkozan" Japan, Meiji Period
By Satsuma
Located in Bilzen, BE
Pair of Earthenware vases from Satsuma Japan
Each side with different decoration
Signature under the base "Zenkozan" end of the Meiji period
Height 22 cm
Perfect condition
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases
Materials
Earthenware
High Quality Old Japanese Satsuma Earthenware Vase, ca 1900, Meiji period
By Satsuma
Located in Bilzen, BE
A rare antique handpainted Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase, signed
Fine quality
Good overall condition, no chips, cracks or restorations
Height 14 cm
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Large Buddha From Myanmar In Gilt Bronze, Mandalay Period, 19th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Gilded bronze Buddha in position to witness the earth, 19th century, Mandalay period (1853 - 1948)
Mandalay was considered the center of the Buddhist universe in Myanmar. King Mindo...
Category
Antique 19th Century Other Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Antique japanese forged iron tsuba from the Edo period
Located in Bilzen, BE
A forge iron Japanese samurai tsuba from the Edo period (1603 - 1868)
Katana tsuba 7.5 x 7.5 cm
Good condition as shown in the pictures uncleaned with its old patina
Category
Antique 18th Century Japanese Edo Metalwork
Materials
Iron
You May Also Like
Japanese Theatre Mitsumekozo Theatre Mask Meiji Period, circa 1900
Located in Prahran, Victoria
Unusual Japanese Folk Art theatre mask depicting the playful character Mitsumekozo, a three eyed goblin often portrayed as a mischevious creature in comical plays, late Meiji period,...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
$760 Sale Price
20% Off
Japanese Edo Period (1603-1868) Skeleton Foetus Netsuke
Located in Newark, England
Laying Foetus
From our Japanese collection, we are pleased to offer this Japanese Edo Period Skeleton Netsuke. The Skeleton Netsuke is carved from Boxwood depicting a skeleton in t...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Boxwood
Carved Boxwood and Lacquer Netsuke of a Noh Dancer, Meiji Period, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A fine lacquer decorated carved boxwood netsuke of a Noh dancer in a Hannya role, unsigned, Meiji period, late 19th century, Japan.
The boxwood netsuke finely carved as a kneeling Noh dancer dressed in striking geometric patterned robes. The actor holds an opened war fan behind their back in one hand, a Shinto wand slung over the shoulder in the other.
The war fan, tessen, decorated in red lacquer with a golden rising sun at the center. Tessen were sturdy fans used by samurai as protective devices, and sometimes as weapons.
The wand, called an onusa, is a traditional Shinto ritual implement comprised of folded paper streamers, shide, attached to a wooden wand, often used in purification rituals. Here, the shide are crafted from silver maki-e, with the handle of the natural boxwood.
The actor wears a fierce and unearthly hannya mask...
Category
Antique 1890s Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Boxwood, Lacquer
Old Wooden Netsuke Japanese Fruit Figure Meiji Period, 19/20th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Lovely and very detailed piece. Unsigned. Japan 19th or 20th century.
Weight: 15 grams
Provenance: Collected in the 1980’s. From the collection of Clemens Merkelbach van Enkhuize...
Category
20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Japanese Edo Period Kyogen Mask o a Guardian, ca. 1750
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Edo Period Kyogen Mask o a Guardian, ca. 1750
DIMENSIONS:
Height: 8.5 inches
Width: 7 inches
Depth: 4.5 inches
ABOUT
A powerful and extremely rare Japanese Edo Period (1603-1868) Kyogen mask of a Nio Guardian...
Category
Antique 1750s Japanese Japonisme Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Japanese Wood Bugaku Mask of Korobase Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking Japanese carved wood mask with polychrome paint and lacquer surface. This rare mask is dated to the Edo period (first half of 19th century and possibly earlier). The mask ...
Category
Antique 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
More Ways To Browse
Tengu Mask
Schneible Fine Arts Llc
Sang Min Lee
Legend Of Asia
Bone Foo Dogs
Samurai Puppet
Antique Cast Iron Gnome
Chinese Soapstone Bowl
Xian Warrior
Antique Balinese Door
Cerasuolo Coral Carving
Japanese Bronze Kannon
Sleeping Buddha
Design For Macha
Jadeite Statue
Sosaku Kokeshi
Vintage Barong
Cloisonne Enamel Figurine