East Asia, Japan, Showa Period, ca. mid-20th century CE. An expressive cast iron theater Noh mask of Okina, the old man character, with lengthy horsehair eyebrows and beard. The face is cast in two separate parts, the lower jaw dangles via cotton cords, the gaping effect of the mouth makes the wizened visage even more jovial! A cord, now partially absent, is tied through two rings on the verso for the wearer. This mask is worn by the title role in the Noh play "Okina," which is one of the oldest dance or play in the Noh repertoire, and the mask itself is a symbol of wisdom and longevity. Comes in a wood storage box with cord ties. Size (iron mask): 8" L x 5" W (20.3 cm x 12.7 cm); (wood box): 8" L x 8" W x 5" H (20.3 cm x 20.3 cm x 12.7 cm)

Provenance: private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010

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#173502

Russet patina throughout iron areas. Losses to suspension cord, but wire added for displaying. Overall great condition. Comes with vintage wood storage box.