IKKO: A WOOD KYOGEN MASK NETSUKE OF A MONKEY (SARU)By Ikko, signed Ikko 一光Japan, 19th centuryA very finely carved and remarkably naturalistically modeled mask netsuke, carved as a monkey with an intelligent expression marked by almond-shaped eyes surrounded by deep wrinkles, the mouth forming a subtle smile, his fur neatly incised, the details heightened by skillful staining, the back with a looped himotoshi bar below the signature IKKO. HEIGHT 4.1 cmCondition: The himotoshi bar in the back repaired. Otherwise excellent condition with minor expected wear.Provenance: European collection P. Jacquesson.Kyogen is a form of traditional Japanese comic theater. It developed alongside Noh, was performed along with Noh as an intermission of sorts between Noh acts on the same stage and retains close links to Noh in the modern day. Its contents are nevertheless not at all similar to the formal, symbolic, and solemn Noh theater; kyogen is a comic form, and its primary goal is to make its audience laugh.Saru, also known as Mashi, the monkey mask, is not entirely simian; it is more a humanoid simian. A realistic monkey face would not make a good Kyogen mask. As in the case of other animal masks such as the badger, fox, or dog, the monkey mask must include sufficient traces of human features for its ability to speak and understand not to cause too great a surprise.Literature comparison: For related wood mask netsuke of saru, see Bushell, Raymond (1985), Netsuke Masks, pls. 172-174.