Μάσκα Noh - Ξύλο - Ko-omote Ishizu Gyokushu (χωρίς τιμή ασφαλείας)

**Dry Lacquer Noh Mask “Ko-omote” by Ishizu Gyokushu II**

Ishizu Gyokushu II was a mask maker based in Nara Prefecture. Working with *kanshitsu*, a traditional Japanese dry lacquer technique, he created Noh masks as well as Buddhist and court dance masks. His works are admired for their lifelike yet dignified expressions.

This mask depicts **Ko-omote**, a young woman. Its gentle eyes and refined features give it a graceful expression.

The lid of the wooden box bears handwritten inscriptions reading “Dry Lacquer Noh Mask” on the right, “Ko-omote” in the centre, and the artist’s name on the left, together with a red seal. The back of the mask is finished in black, with the fine texture of the underlying fabric visible. A paper label inscribed “Dry Lacquer Ko-omote, Gyokushu” and a seal are also present on the back.

A certificate issued by San’ido (Yamasan Co., Ltd.), an art and craft dealer in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, is included. It states that damage and defects relating to the dry lacquer Noh mask are covered by a free lifetime guarantee. **The current validity of this guarantee, and whether it applies to the surface wear described below, have not been verified.**

**Condition**

There is surface wear on the forehead, nose and chin. A fine line-shaped mark is visible on the forehead, and several scuff marks can be seen on the chin. Please examine the photographs carefully.

**Included items**

The mask comes with its inscribed wooden box, original wrapping material, cotton padding and certificate. The survival of the wrapping and padding suggests that the mask has been carefully stored.

**Handling and storage**

* Wear clean cotton gloves when handling the mask. Hold it carefully by the edges and avoid touching the painted forehead, nose, cheeks and chin.
* Do not place the mask face down on a table or other hard surface. Contact with a hard surface could cause further wear, especially to the forehead, nose and chin.
* Do not wipe or rub the surface with a cloth or tissue. If dust is present, avoid trying to remove it by force; consult a specialist if you are unsure about the condition of the painted surface.
* Store the mask away from direct sunlight and avoid sudden changes in humidity or dryness.
* When returning it to the box, use the included wrapping and padding so that the mask does not touch the hard sides of the box or move inside it. Do not press the padding firmly against the painted surface.

A delicate example of dry lacquer craftsmanship, with the graceful expression characteristic of Ko-omote. Please consider its condition carefully before bidding.

Mask: approximately 21 × 14 × 5 cm (ύψος × πλάτος × βάθος).
Weight with the original wooden box: approximately 1,000 g.
Estimated packed shipping weight: approximately 1,600g.

**SHIPPING & IMPORT TAXES**

This delicate dry lacquer Noh mask will be carefully packed in its original box with protective padding and shipped from Japan **by FedEx only**. The tracking number will be provided after dispatch.

Please monitor the tracking information from the time of shipment. If FedEx or customs contacts you for documents, payment or delivery instructions, please respond promptly. If tracking shows that the shipment is being held, please contact FedEx in your country even if you have not received a separate notification. A prolonged hold or return shipment could put this fragile mask at risk of damage.

Import VAT, customs duty and FedEx clearance or handling fees may apply according to the destination country and the order value. For eligible EU orders valued at €150 or less, VAT collected by Catawiki at checkout is processed using its IOSS number. From 1 July 2026, an additional €3 customs duty per item applies to eligible low-value imports into the EU. Any import charges not collected at checkout are the buyer’s responsibility and must be paid promptly when requested.

Delivery times depend on customs clearance and local delivery conditions and cannot be guaranteed.