A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A DANCING OKAME Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Bandini, Rosemary (2014) Japanese Netsuke of the Collection of Teddy Hahn, no. 7. The Shinto goddess of mirth dressed in the attire of a Heian court lady, performing a dance while holding a bell rattle and fan, her windswept hair neatly falling down her back, the loose sleeves swinging with movement. She is laughing with an opened smile and puffed wide cheeks. The wood bearing a stunning natural hand patina. Large himotoshi through the back. HEIGHT 6.1 cm Condition: Very good condition with associated surface wear and a fine patina. Provenance: Ex David collection, sold at Christie's, 14 October 1986, London, lot 102. Purchased by Nelly Davies from the above. Purchased by Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt, from the above. Okame was able to tempt the sun goddess Amaterasu from her cave when she retired there in displeasure of her brothers' antics. Okame performed a dance, getting so caught up in her enthusiasm that all her clothes fell off. The ensuing laughter finally caused so much curiosity that the secluded goddess came out to learn the source of such merriment, thus restoring daylight to the world.