KAZAN: AN UNUSUAL AND RARE BAMBOO KUMADORI KABUKI MASK NETSUKE By Kazan, signed Kazan 川山 Japan, late 19th to early 20th century Published: Sagemonoya (2005) The Netsuke Dancers, pp. 142-143, no. 140. Carved from a node bamboo, most likely depicting the actor Ichikawa Danjuro wearing kumadori make-up, executed here with red and black pigments. Himotoshi through the back. The reverse with a seal and with the original signed and seal tomobako (wood storage box). HEIGHT 5.5 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: European private collection P. Jacquesson purchased from Robert Fleischel in June 2005. Kumadori is the stage makeup worn by kabuki actors, mostly when performing kabuki plays in the aragoto style, which was pioneered by the Ichikawa Danjuro family of actors. The most famous role to use red kumadori is that of the hero in the kabuki play Shibaraku.