Asia in the Mirror: Exhibition Photograph 06

Creator

Cantor Art Gallery

Caption

Photography credit: Paula Rosenblum

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Exhibition Opening Date

9-1-2021

Description

Female Figurine with a Bird
20th century, Japan
Ivory, bottom inscription of “Sunny Day”
Gift of Frank A. Gallagher III ’32

This ivory figurine in the netsuke tradition depicts a so-called lady with infinite eyes. The graceful hand gesture identifies her as an upper-class Japanese woman. A magpie, perched upon the right hand, was a popular pet among elites. Her left hand holds a delicate uchiwa, a type of Japanese rigid fan often brocaded with phoenix and cloud motifs. Although netsuke were used as toggles tied on the cords of containers that hung from the waist, they later developed into larger pieces that demonstrated craftsmanship. Netsuke depict a wide variety of subjects that encompass almost every facet of Japanese life: history, and culture, including religious figures, plants and flowers, and real and mythological beasts.

Ryō Hō 亮芳
Mask of an Old Man First half of the 20th century, Japan
Wood
Gift of Frank A. Gallagher III ’32

Unlike most surviving Japanese masks, this rare mask type is modeled on a specific character from Noh drama: Okina, the happy old man. Among all figures in Noh drama, Okina is a sacred embodiment of God, bringing longevity, harmony, and prosperity to families. The mask represents Okina with distinctive facial elements, including a long white beard expressing wisdom, round eyebrows, and the chin separated from the upper part of the face. The abstract pattern of the deeply carved wrinkles around Okina’s forehead and cheeks contrasts sharply with the realistic portrayal typical of other Noh masks.

Samurai Doll with Accessories
First half of the 20th century, Japan
Gift of Frank A. Gallagher III ’32

Dolls have played an important role in Japanese culture, including ones like this warrior doll of a medieval samurai. The doll is dressed in an opulent court costume – a six-layered kimono decorated with padded hems that were designed for a slower, controlled movement – and stands in a balanced, refined posture, as evident in his foot peeking from beneath the kimono. The dramatic waist belt attests to the figure’s samurai status. True to his station, the samurai comes with an array of delicate weapons, including the long Japanese bow in his hand. His narrow eyes, pronounced eyebrows, aquiline nose, ruddy lips, and white face show him to be a gentleman with elegant charms.