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Japanese Noh* theater mask in polychrome wood representing a man's face with frowning eyes, from Japan, Edo period 19th century.
This mask is in good general condition. The beard is made of horsehair.
Please note: some accidents and lack of polychromy and horsehair, see photos.
We have other noh masks for sale on this site.
is one of the traditional styles of Japanese theater coming from a religious and aristocratic conception of life. Noh combines chronicles in verse with dance pantomimes. Wearing sumptuous costumes and specific masks (there are 138 different masks), the actors essentially play for shoguns and samurai. Masks are used for all shite roles except the roles of children and living adult men (as opposed to ghosts). When the shite plays without a mask, he must keep a neutral expression, exactly as if he were still wearing a mask. The design of Noh masks combines real and symbolic elements, their aim being to provide information on the type of character as well as their mood. When he puts on the mask, the actor symbolically leaves his own personality to take on that of the character he is going to embody. Contemplation of the mask is thus part of the preparation work for the role. In addition, due to the lighting, the expression of the mask is designed to vary depending on the exposure angle. The actor must therefore constantly control the inclination of his head in order to present his mask to the light according to the orientation desired by the mood of his character. Demon masks, which can have open or closed mouths, are distinguished by the great expressiveness of the features and the golden coloring of the eyes. Both of these elements express the raw power and savagery of the supernatural beings they represent. Only female demon masks have horns; males do not have any.
