Catalog (31)

Dry lacquer mask of the Gigaku traditional theater, finely made and lacquered in black and red colour, representing the character of an old man, with a long aquiline nose, open mouth showing teeth, large smile, very long ears, deep wrinkles all over the face. Inside the mask, a paper label with description of the mask and signature of the artist. Japan, early 20th century. Height: 25.2 cm. Very good condition.

Very old mask of the Kyogen traditional theater representing the character of Bishamon, with a very fierce expression enhanced by finely, well detailed, carved features. Wood, with traces of the original colouring. Japan, early Edo period. Height: 21 cm. Abrasion due to great age, otherwise very good condition. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. NOTE: Bishamon, or Bishamon-Ten, is one of the four guardians of Buddhism, often shown at the entrance of temples.

Very rare Japanese comic demon Buaku Kyogen mask dating from the early Edo Period, the golden age of Noh Drama. The Buaku mask is a Kyogen version of the Noh Beshimi character. Kyogen were short, humorous skits performed between Noh acts to lighten the mood. The heavily knit brows and wide leering grimace are wonderful characteristics of this mask. It is covered in layered colored gofun (oyster shell lacquer). It is brilliantly carved, accentuating the depth of his eye sockets, and adding a sens...

Wood mask of the Gigaku theater representing Konju, a figure in ancient Gigaku dance. The finely carved mask shows a very strong expression. Japan, early Edo period. Height: 18 cm. Beautiful age patina. Some abrasion, otherwise very good condition. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. NOTE: Gigaku theater is one of the most ancient dramatic arts in Japan, performing ritual dance, mime and music, and taking place inside Buddhist temples. This ritual show, during which comic, profane an...

Partly gilt wood statue of Buddhist goddess Sho Kannon Bosatsu (one of the many forms of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara), wearing formal robes, and a diadem with a small stylised Amithaba on the front, standing, her hands joined to hold a bowl. The goddess face reflects a profound meditation. Fine age patina. Japan, Edo period, early 19th century, maybe earlier. Height: 24.2 cm. Old insect attack on the right side (no more danger), otherwise very good condition.

Dry lacquer mask of the traditional Gigaku Theater, finely carved and lacquered to depict an elderly man (old widower) with a long aquiline nose, full red lips forming a smile, elongated earlobes, and deeply carved wrinkles. The eyes and mouth are pierced. The back with a label inscribed inside deszcribing the mask and with the artist signature. Rich, dark patina. Height: 25 cm. Good condition with some wear and minor age flaking and losses to lacquer, tiny chips to edges. NOTE: This mask rep...

Old mask of the Noh traditional theater representing the character of Yamauba or Yamamba, with an emaciated face, dishevelled hair, and a sinister smile. The mask is made of wood, painted to ehance its features, and with brass eyes. The mask is signed. Japan, early 20th century. Height: 21 cm. Some abrasion due to age and wear, otherwise very good condition. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. NOTE: According to legend, Yama Uba or "The Mountain Witch" is a demon from Japanese folklo...

Finely carved mask of the Noh traditional theater, with a verystrong expression, representing the character of Otobide. The mask is made of wood, painted in gold (the whole face), black (for the eyebrows and moustache, also on top of the forehead) and red (for the mouth), and the eyes are made of brass. Japan, late 19th century. Height: 21.2 cm. Slight abrasion on some areas due to age, otherwise very good condition. NOTE 1: Otobide is a deity of extraordinary spiritual power, bringing blessin...

Very old wood statue of Buddhist goddess Sho Kannon Bosatsu (one of the many forms of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara), wearing formal robes, and a diadem with bronze decorations on the two sides, standing on a lotus, her left hand holding a vase, her right hand in abhaya mudra. The goddess face reflects a profound meditation. Remnants of the original gilding. Fine age patina. Japan, early Edo period. Height: 25.2 cm. Good condition.

Statue of Buddha, in monk's robes, standing on an elevated rounded stand, his hands in abhaya and varada mudra (symbolizing protection, peace, charity and compassion). Wood, with fine patina. Japan, mid Edo period, 18th century. Height: 18 cm. Slight abrasion due to age, otherwise very good condition.

Finely carved mask, with strong features and delicate painting meant to enhance the strength of the character it represents. The character depicted here is of Hashihime. The mask is made of wood, its eyes are made of metal. The mask is signed. Japan,Taisho and Early Showa Period (1912-1945). Height: 20.8 cm. Very good condition. NOTE 1: The most famous hashihime story comes from Tsurugi no Maki, in The Tale of the Heike, and is retold in the noh play Kanawa. NOTE 2:Here is the legend of Hashi...

Dry lacquer Noh mask depicting the character of Kokushiki-Jo and designed to represent divine blessings. Inscription at the back of the mask. Japan, early 20th century, maybe earlier. Height: 20.4 cm. Some chips around the rim, partly flaked lacquer, otherwise good condition. NOTE: This mask is used exclusively in "Okina", an ancient dance ritual said to be close to the roots of Noh. Okina is viewed as sacred and therefore accorded a different status from other items in the Noh repertoire. Lack...

Noh theater mask, with a vivid fierce expression, representing the character of Otobide. Wood, painted in gold, silver, black and red to enhance the mask features. Japan, 19th century. Height: 21.2 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Old accidents and restorations, otherwise good condition.

Noh theater wood mask representing the character of Shakumi, a middle-aged woman. The loose strands of hair give her the careworn air of one who has suffered and survived countless trials. Note the slight sag to her cheeks and the creases on either side of her mouth. She often appears in the role of a mother. Japan, early 20th century. Height: 21 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. A few signs of use, otherwise very good condition.

A fine Noh mask, with strong features, representing the character of Ayakashi, the malign aspect of a general killed in battle. Wood, with polychrome and gold painting, eyes made of brass. The mask is signed. Japan, early 20th century. Height: 21.7 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition. NOTE: The name "Ayakashi" also refers to an apparition with mysterious spiritual powers, or a vengeful sea-dwelling spirit. Perhaps the best known Noh play using Ayakashi is ""Fun...

Ivory netsuke representing a teacher sitting beside his disciple, the latter holding a book with his right hand and a "shishi lion" mask with his left hand. The netsuke is signed, also bears a small red mark, beneath. Japan, 19th century. Length: 40 mm. Height: 24 mm. Very good condition.

Pair of ancient paintings on paper, with polychrome colours and gold. The first painting represents a noble lady, in formal attire, sittings on an elevated platform. Two characters are painted at the back. This painting is partly folded, the paper is stained due to age and has suffered three insect attacks. The second painting represents a noble man in formal attire and sitting on an elevated platform. Two characters are painted at the back. This painting has suffered three insect attacks and th...

A five prong vajra or dorje. Bronze, with fine reddish green patina. Japan, 18th century. Length: 13 cm. Very good condition.