The Kura - Japanese Art Treasures

Robert Mangold has been working with Japanese antiques since 1995 with an emphasis on ceramics, Paintings, Armour and Buddhist furniture.
Onna Noh Mask named “KOOMOTE” which indicates young girl

Onna Noh Mask named “KOOMOTE” which indicates young girl


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Directory: Artists: Folk Art: Pre 1950: Item # 1497734

Please refer to our stock # NOH34 when inquiring.
The Kura
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23 Murasakino Monzen-cho
Kita-ward Kyoto 603-8216
tel.81-75-201-3497
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 $450.00 
A Noh mask representing a young woman with gracefully curved mouth forming a slight smile and eyebrows placed high on a broad forehead reminiscent of koomote named Magojirou. Carved wood covered with Gofun and mineral pigments, 20th century. It is 21.2 x 13.5 cm and in overall fine condition bearing the carvers seal in the back.
The longish face, somewhat lean cheeks and simple shape of the eyes with heavy lids give the mask an open, yet sad expression, which at times takes on a delicate, dream-like beauty. The black hair parted at the middle has two painted strands at the front, with two more curving out from just above ear-level. Tradition has it that the model for this mask type, now in the Tokyo National Museum, owned by the Mitsui family, and designated an Important Cultural Property, was carved by Kongou Magojirou Ukyou Hisatsugu (1538-64) in memory of his deceased wife.