Ivory manjû netsuke featuring a Noh masks group. Among the eleven masks, there are Okame, Hannya, Shôjo, Hyottoko, Oni, and Obeshimi.

The multiple masks, delicately carved and the significant spacing between them, revealing the interior of the netsuke. It highlights the remarkable skill of the artist in ivory carving.

Signature in a carved reserve underneath: “Chikuyosai” by Chikuyosai Tomochika (竹陽齋友親).

Japan, Chikuyosai Tomochika (竹陽齋友親) – Edo period (1603-1868), mid-19th century

Height: 1 in / 2.5 cm – diameter: 1.8 in / 4.5 cm