Antique Ivory Brooch Carving of Okina | Artist: Shosai Tsuda | Meiji Period

Dimensions: 2-1/8”l x 1-1/2”w x 1/2” thick

The Okina, the happy old man of wisdom and joy, is a distinguished character in many Noh dramas and folklore. It is exceptionally detailed from the rounded eyebrows, expressive open slits for his eyes, and the abstract pattern of the deeply carved wrinkles around the forehead and cheeks. It has the soft smile of the deity symbolizing the country and the world at peace, bountiful harvests, long lives, and prosperity of the current and future generations. His chin has a long beard flowing to the other side which makes him easily recognizable. Okina is unique in that it is the only performance in which the actor puts on the mask after he has appeared on stage. 

Condition: This beautifully detailed brooch is light to wear but quite large, in perfect original condition, beautifully patinated, with a 1900s "barrel clasp" on the back, (This type of fastener gets its name from the tiny barrel that is found on one end of the metal attachment to lock it in place), with the signature of the artist, (Shosai Tsuda), who is from Taurumachi, Osaka and lived from 1878-1928. The signature is an indicator of its age and was made before 1947.

NOTE: The Japanese, primarily before 1947, had a history of utilizing rare and historic animal bones and rare woods for many objects used by the samurai and upper classes at that time. Many of these art objects fell under the Okimono's decorative category, including Netsuke, Brooches, Hair Ornaments, functional objects as musical instruments, and furniture seen throughout this earlier part of history. A new dialogue during the Meiji period between Japan, (not China) and the West led to a concern for protecting many rare materials incorporated into art and craft practices. This changed to address customer interests and the changing ESA laws throughout the world influenced all production of art goods from this date forward. Any object being sold that falls into the endangered species category must be at least 100 years or older and substantiated by the signature and date on the piece for by radiocarbon dating.