Netsuke of Okame Holding a Mask

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Small, carved ivory figurine of a seated Okame, a Japanese demon or ogre, made by an unknown artist. The figurine depicts Okame holding a mask. Okame has a large head and body with a rounded belly. Its facial features include a large mouth with sharp teeth, small eyes, and thick eyebrows. The figurine sits on its haunches with its knees bent and its arms resting on them. The left hand grasps a mask resembling a demon or ogre face with sharp teeth and a protruding tongue. The figurine's body and arms feature carved designs, possibly floral patterns. The background of the image is gray, providing a neutral contrast to highlight the details of the carving.