Artwork preview

Netsuke of an Actor

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Netsuke of an Actor by Unknown. Carved ivory figure of a male actor dressed as a demon. The figure has a large head with two sharp horns on top and a long snout. The eyes are small and circular. The mouth is slightly open, revealing two sharp fangs. The figure wears a robe with a geometric pattern and a long skirt with an etched design. The hands are carved to hold a prop sword on the left and the hem of the robe on the right. A maroon cord emerges from the top. The background is plain and light gray.

Artwork details

Date:
19th century
Medium:
Ivory
Culture:
Japan
Dimensions:
413 × 624 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette