Japanese Antique Pair of Noh Masks with Fine Details, Signed, 19th Century
$1,550.00
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Great Old pair of Noh masks from our recent Japanese Acquisitions Travels.
These finely carved Japanese antique wooden theater masks of Gigaku and Kawazu, an Oni, are superb examples of these characters with their dramatic brow and pleasant joyful ear to ear smiles. These masks and characters may be seen in Kyogen plays performed during Noh dramas. They are fine older hand-carved examples that would be a provocative accent to the most discerning collection.
Both are signed on its back signifying importance to the maker and owner.
And they have been carved in an unusually large-scale.
Lacquer over willow wood.
Early Taisho period, 1910
Fine old patina.
Dimensions: tallest is 14 inches tall and 11 inches wide and 6 inches deep
Provenance: old Kyoto collection
About Noh:
Noh—derived from the Sino-Japanese word for skill or talent—is a major form of classical Japanese musical drama that has been performed since the 14th century. Developed by Kan’ami and his son Zeami, it is the oldest major theater art that is still regularly performed today. Traditionally, a Noh program includes five Noh plays with comedic kyogen plays in between; an abbreviated program of two Noh plays and one kyogen piece has become common in Noh presentations today.
Noh is often based on tales from traditional literature with a supernatural being transformed into human form as a hero narrating a story. Noh integrates masks, costumes and various props in a dance-based performance, requiring highly trained actors and musicians. Emotions are primarily conveyed by stylized conventional gestures while the iconic masks represent the roles such as ghosts, women, children, and the elderly. Written in ancient Japanese language, the text vividly describes the ordinary people of the twelfth to 16th century (thank you Wikipedia)
Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our lifetime authenticity guarantee.
We have been dealing in authentic Japanese, Chinese, European, and Asian Fine art, antiquities, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. Our president personally travels to Japan, Europe and China each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique work of art to ensure its old age, authenticity and quality condition. After accumulating a group, they are imported to Vermont in large containers. This method keeps shipping costs low and enables us to offer them to you at reasonable prices. We ship internationally.
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