Japanese Noh Mask "Nohmen Okina" (Hakushiki-jo) - Signed by Miyaguchi Yukihisa, 1989 (Heisei 1) This is an outstanding, museum-quality Japanese Noh mask representing "Okina" (also known as Hakushiki-jo), meticulously hand-carved from wood and painted with traditional pigments by the recognized artisan Miyaguchi Yukihisa (宮口如久). Active throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Miyaguchi was a highly skilled craftsman whose prominent works were listed in the Japanese Art Yearbooks (Bijutsu Nenkan). This specific piece is beautifully inscribed on the reverse with the artist's elegant signature and seal, confirming its creation on an auspicious day in March 1989 (Heisei 1). In the world of traditional Japanese Noh theater, the Okina mask holds a unique and unparalleled status. Unlike standard masks used for dramatic character roles, Okina is revered as a sacred object—the actual embodiment of a benevolent deity who descends to bless the world. The ritual play of Okina is performed only on highly auspicious occasions, such as New Year's celebrations or the openings of new theaters, to pray for world peace, the longevity of the people, and a bountiful harvest. This piece showcases all the definitive, highly sophisticated characteristics of a true master-crafted Hakushiki-jo. It features the traditional Kiria-ago (detached jaw) structure, a distinctive technique where the lower jaw is carved separately and reattached with cords, historically designed to allow the performer to utter divine incantations clearly while on stage. The forehead is deeply contoured with serene wrinkles, and the narrowing eyes express a profound, joyous smile brimming with divine blessing. Reflecting the ancient origins of the art, the eyebrows are rendered as soft, round pom-poms made of natural fiber, complemented by a long, magnificent flowing white beard. The mask measures 16.5 cm in height and 12.0 cm in width. The presentation of this masterpiece is fully complete with its original, artist-inscribed wooden storage box (Tomobako), a protective purple floral-patterned cushion cloth, and the exceptionally rare inclusion of the original Japanese care instruction manual (Shiori) specifically titled "Noh Mask Okina (Hakushiki-jo)". This vintage text offers valuable guidance on traditional preservation methods, such as holding the mask solely by its side cord-holes to protect the paint, and allowing the storage bags to air out in the sun annually. The entire set is in excellent vintage condition, exhibiting a beautiful and dignified presence. As eloquently addressed in the enclosed care manual, authentic Noh masks are crafted to naturally develop a deeper, subtler patina over the decades—a prized aesthetic phenomenon known as Ochitsuki (settling or maturing) in Japanese culture. Rather than a defect, this soft maturation is considered an essential element of the mask's growing spiritual and artistic value. The weight of the set inside its original wooden box is approximately 900 grams, and the total gross shipping weight including secure, shock-absorbent packaging will be around 1,300 grams. This represents a rare opportunity for discerning international collectors to acquire a complete, impeccably documented piece of sacred Japanese heritage. 【Important Notice Regarding Customs & Taxes】 The shipment will be securely dispatched via FedEx or Japan Post EMS, providing fully trackable and reliable premium delivery. As this transaction is conducted through Catawiki, the platform's IOSS system will be applied for auctions under €150. If the item value is €150 or less, European buyers will pay the local VAT directly to Catawiki at checkout, meaning you only need to pay a €3 flat customs duty and minor carrier handling fees upon delivery. 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