Spartancrest Posted January 25, 2022 Report Posted January 25, 2022 There are images of Daruma wearing masks, but I think with the very high forehead it may more likely be Fukurokuju (福禄寿) Though why he might be wearing a mask or hiding his appearance is beyond me. 1 Quote
Shugyosha Posted January 25, 2022 Report Posted January 25, 2022 My first thought was that it’s Fukurokuju but couldn’t see the mask connection. Is there anything else on the tsuba that might set it in context? Quote
Shugyosha Posted January 25, 2022 Report Posted January 25, 2022 Fukurokuju is sometimes depicted supporting a child or with children and he has a Noh mask in this okimono, but I think it’s too small a sample size to be definitive. https://www.plazzart.com/en_GB/buy/asian-art/Japan-okimono-representing-fukurokuju-and-child-early-20th-century-476999 Quote
Spartancrest Posted January 25, 2022 Report Posted January 25, 2022 Could it be Okame pelting what she thinks is an oni with soybeans? Instead of chasing off evil she is trying to chase off one of the 'Lucky Gods' by mistake? I just interpret the gold dots and divots around the lower figure as thrown beans or peas. It is an interesting piece and a bit difficult to interpret. Quote
ckaiserca Posted January 25, 2022 Report Posted January 25, 2022 I found a link to a similar tsuba online: https://www.trocadero.com/stores/dmitry/items/1389012/18c-Japanese-sword-tsuba-FUKUROKUJU-TENGU-MASK Quote
ckaiserca Posted January 25, 2022 Report Posted January 25, 2022 Another here: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/63148478_1718c-Japanese-sword-tsuba-fukurokuju-tengu-mask-by Quote
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