Gyokuzan - kurumi carved as a mask of Usobuki

A kurumi (walnut) carved as a mask of Usobuki.  A comic Kyogen character, he is traditionally depicted with one eye bulging in alarm and his mouth pursed into a whistle, as the character is incapable of shouting or crying out.  A large wen bulges on his brow and his head is wrapped in a cotton tenegui scarf that is knotted at his chin.  The eyes are inlaid with dark horn and banded with metal. The back of the netsuke is formed as an open fan.

Signed: Gyokuzan

Height: 3.1cm