Japanese netsuke of Noh mask OKINA kyougen kagura demon mask, signed by author

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Japanese netsuke of Noh mask OKINA kyougen kagura demon mask, signed by author:
$340.00

Description:Japanese netsuke of Noh mask OKINA kyougen kagura demon mask, signed by authorThe white faced mask of a happy old man used in noh and festival performances of the play Okina, also known as shikisanban. Deep wrinkles form round patterns on his forehead and cheeks. The wavy slit eyes brim with mirth, and the joyful mouth exposes only a few stubs of teeth.The chin, severed from the mask and then reattached by means of hemp cords passed through holes in the upper and lower jaw (kiriago), waggles as the actor chants his lines and sports a long white beard. Pompoms made of hemp are glued on for eyebrows. A black horizontal strip at the upper edge of the mask indicates where it meets a black lacquer hat. Okina masks come from quite large to considerably smaller than the human face.The oldest mask with an original dated inscription is the 1477 mask at Istukushima Shrine, Hiroshima. Many other fine old masks exist, such as the 14th century okina mask in the Kanze school, Tokyo, designated an Important Cultural Property.Very detailed piece
Size: 2.5\"Material: Cattle bone
Signed on the back