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.
Onigami Noh Mask named “OOTOBIDE”

Onigami Noh Mask named “OOTOBIDE”


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Directory: Artists: Folk Art: Pre 1950: Item # 1497739

Please refer to our stock # NOH37 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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 $700.00 
A Noh mask representing the God of Thunder, the God of Heaven, protector of Buddhism, or a ghost known as Ootobide (also Otobide or just Tobide). Carved wood with mineral pigments and gold, it is 21.2 x 16.2 cm and in fine condition, dating from the 20th century.
As befits its august character, the Ootobide is unusually large for a Noh mask and painted in gold. The mask has protruding, metallic gold, circular eyeballs with crossed eyes which create an illusion that the eyes are rolling around. Crescent-shaped eyebrows are painted in black. A prominent, flattened nose, and big ears further emphasize the mask's imposing character. The mask's mouth gapes wide to show both the upper and lower teeth and the tip of a long, wide, red tongue. Apparently, ootobide was made for the play Raiden in which the ghost of an angry official returns as the God of Thunder and burns down the imperial palace.