East Asia, Japan, Meiji to Showa Period, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A wonderfully expressive wooden mask from Japanese Noh theatre tradition depicting an idealized male visage likely intended as Shintai, used to portray young male deities. Gazing out from brass-inlaid eyes, the god's fair complexion is embellished by wispy brows, a pointed moustache, and petite beard patches beneath his lips and chin. Indeed, the carver of every noh mask is trying to keep their faces neutral, so that the performer can imbue it with emotion; the facial plane is carved so that simply by tilting the mask up or down the actor can express happiness or sadness. Size: 5.4" W x 7.8" H (13.7 cm x 19.8 cm)

Provenance: private Englewood, Colorado USA collection

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#180252

Some areas of peeling, chipping, and small losses to pigment, especially near the peripheries and on the nose. Otherwise, mostly intact and facial features are still very clear. Verso has Japanese inscription and suspension rope for display.