Hand Carved Wooden Japanese Noh Mask

~ Hand Carved Wooden Japanese Noh Mask ~

There is a square stamp to the interior and a draw string.

As Noh is an art form that utilizes masks, there is a great variety of them. There were originally about 60 basic types of noh masks, but today there are well over 200 different kinds in use.

Covering the face with a mask is much like wearing makeup. However, noh performers feel that the noh mask has a certain power inherent in it which makes it much more spiritual than a prop used to change ones appearance. Taking into account the status of a certain noh, the noh performer will carefully choose a noh mask, known also as a noh-men or omote. In most cases, the exact mask is not predetermined, but depending on which noh is being done, the shite has a variety to choose from. In the end, it is up to the shite to make the final determination as to which mask is chosen.

~ Condition ~

The piece is in excellent order.

~ Dimensions ~

The mask is 21 cm (8.5 inches) tall by 14 cm (5,5 inches)  wide.