A Noh mask representing either the deified spirit of the Sugawara no Michizane and or a god linked to agricultural rituals. Carved wood with mineral pigments and gold, it is 22 x 16 cm and in fine condition, dating from the 20th century.
The mask's unassuming nose, thin-lipped, open mouth exposing upper and lower teeth, and fleshy cheeks are simple and human-like...

A Noh mask representing a young woman with gracefully curved mouth forming a slight smile and eyebrows placed high on a broad forehead reminiscent of koomote named Magojirou. Carved wood covered with Gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century...

A Noh mask representing a sprite who possesses the elixir of long life. Carved wood covered with Gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century. It is 20 x 14 cm and in overall fine condition. The mouth and eyes curl into a smile accentuated by dimples in the full cheeks. Wispy eyebrows swerve up at the outer corners and strands of hair fall down over the forehead.
Noh theater, often referred to as Nohgaku, is a traditional Japanese performing art with a rich history dating back centuries...

A Noh mask representing a young woman with gracefully curved mouth forming a slight smile and eyebrows placed high on a broad forehead reminiscent of koomote named Magojirou. Carved wood covered with Gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century. It is 21.2 x 13.5 cm and in overall fine condition bearing the carvers seal in the back...

Oobeshiomi, also called simply Beshimi (or Obeshimi), is a Noh mask representing a Deity or Tengu who protects others from evil spirits and demons. Carved wood covered with Gofun and gold, this dates from the 20th century. It is 22.3 x 17 cm and in overall fine condition bearing the carvers seal in the back. It appears to have been in the midst of re-working the colored covering, or had never received its final coat of color, which makes it in fact, quite unique...

A Noh mask representing a dignified old woman. Carved wood covered with Gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century. It is 20.8 x 13.8 cm and in overall fine condition bearing the carvers seal in the back. There are many forms of this type of mask, however, all share the wrinkled and bony features of a woman grown old gracefully. The sunken eyes look down, being carved as a slightly curved slit...

FANCY

Art of assortment as art of retailing, as rare remains of Showa-Retro celluloid hairpins attached on cardboard as is so-called 'Fancy goods' for little girls. 1970s-80s, Japan. 8 x 24 cm (3.14 x 9.44in) each...

A Noh mask representing a middle-aged woman torn by separation from a loved one, either man or child. Carved wood covered with Gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century. It is 20.8 x 13.5 cm and in overall fine condition bearing the carvers seal in the back. Gentle and mature, fukai's face is filled with a melancholy that comes from experience and feeling. The features are deep-cut, with crevices along the lower cheeks and deep-set eyes with heavy eyelids and drooping corners...

A Noh mask representing the spirit of a fox or other terrestrial spirit with a gaping mouth which exposes a wide, red tongue and both the upper and lower teeth, draws the cheeks upward and makes the circular, metallic eyeballs jump out to create an overall fearfull expression. Carved wood covered with Gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century. It is 21 x 14.5 cm and in overall fine condition bearing the carvers seal in the back.

The mask of an old man with a strong and frightening expression. Carved wood covered with Gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century. It is 23 x 16.5 cm and in overall fine condition bearing the carvers seal in the back. This type of mask is most often used for old gods and vengeful spirits.
Noh theater, often referred to as Nohgaku, is a traditional Japanese performing art with a rich history dating back centuries...

A noh mask representing a blind young boy who frequents Osaka Tennoji temple begging for alms in the play Yoroboshi. Carved wood covered with Gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century. It is 21 x 13.5 cm and in overall fine condition bearing the carvers seal in the back. The characters poetic spirit is expressed in his appreciation of the beauty of the plums through their smell. Long cast out from his family, he is finally reunited with his father at the end of the play...

A Noh mask representing a young monk at Zen temple named Kokashiki, carved wood covered with Gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century. The mask features its bangs in the shape of Ginkgo leaf. It is 21 x 13.7 cm and in overall fine condition bearing the carvers seal in the back.
Noh theater, often referred to as Nohgaku, is a traditional Japanese performing art with a rich history dating back centuries. It is a highly stylized form of theater that combines elements of dance, music, poetry...

A Noh mask representing a young angel, goddess or enlightened woman called Zouonna of carved wood covered with Gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century. It is 21.3 x 13.7 cm and in overall fine condition bearing the carvers seal in the back. A cool reserve seen in the passive expression, flat cheeks, unsmiling lips, and intelligent high forehead lends this mask a stately dignity that contrasts with the open expression of koomote and other standard young women's masks. The downcast eyes, narrow ...

A Noh mask representing a young woman with gracefully curved mouth forming a slight smile and eyebrows placed high on a broad forehead reminiscent of koomote named Magojirou. Carved wood covered with Gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century. It is 21.3 x 13.5 cm and in overall fine condition bearing the carvers seal in the back. The longish face, somewhat lean cheeks and simple shape of the eyes with heavy lids give the mask an open, yet sad expression, which at times takes on a delicate, dream...

The Heita mask is said to portray a warrior of the Kamakura period (1185 - 1333) named Egara no Heita Tanenaga. It has an indomitable face with a dark suntanned complexion and upward slanting eyebrows and a mustache. The mask is worn by a warrior’s ghost, who narrates his heroic exploits of bygone days. Carved wood covered with Gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century. It is 19.8 x 14.3 cm and in overall fine condition bearing the carvers seal in the back.

A Noh mask representing a girl in the first blush of womanhood called Koomote. The full cheeks, engaging, full-lipped smile, dimpled chin, and eyes that swerve up at the sides suggest an outgoing, engaging personality. The "caterpillar" eyebrows are painted high on a full forehead and the black hair parted in the middle has three loose strands on each side. It is 21.3 x 13.5 cm, carved wood with gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century.

A noh mask representing a young prince blind from birth used exclusively in the play Semimaru. Carved wood covered with Gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century. It is 20.2 x 13.5 cm and in overall fine condition bearing the carvers seal in the back.
Sent away to live alone in a hut, Semimaru seeks solace playing his lute. His crazed sister, sakagami, appears, and for a while the siblings are comforted by each other's company. A sweet expression of calm resignation fills this youthful mask...

A spectacular Noh mask of a fierce deity named Beshimi of carved wood covered in gofun with color and gold. It is 20.5 x 15.5 cm and in overall fine condition, signed on the back by the artist. The word beshimi means ‘closing one’s mouth, holding a deep breath to preserve power inside one’s body.’ As its name implies, this mask expresses the mighty power to stand up against a demon.
Noh theater, often referred to as Nohgaku, is a traditional Japanese performing art with a rich h...