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Small Japanese nô* theater mask in polychrome wood representing a grimacing man's face, sulphide eyes, from Japan, Edo period, 19th century.
This mask is in good overall condition, in its original condition. The eyebrows and moustache (in horsehair) are almost very worn and quite missing.
Please note: accidents and holes, some lack of polychromy and horsehair, wear and tear, see photos.
We have other Noh masks for sale on this site.
is one of the traditional styles of Japanese theater that comes from a religious and aristocratic conception of life. Noh combines chronicles in verse with danced pantomimes. Wearing sumptuous costumes and specific masks (there are 138 different masks), the actors play mainly for the shoguns and the samurai. Masks are used for all shite roles except for 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 wearing a mask. The design of Noh masks mixes real and symbolic elements, their purpose being to provide information on the type of character as well as his 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. The contemplation of the mask is thus part of the work of preparation for the role. In addition, due to the lighting, the expression of the mask is designed to be able to vary depending on the angle of exposure. 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 an open or closed mouth, are distinguished by the great expressiveness of the features and the golden coloring of the eyes. These two elements express the raw power and savagery of the supernatural beings they represent. Only female demon masks have horns; male ones do not.
