Item Description Kokushikijō (黒式尉) – Black Okina-Type Dry-Lacquer Noh Mask by Matsubayashi Junko, 1989 This is a black-faced Okina-type mask known as Kokushikijō (黒式尉), one of the most revered masks in the Japanese performing arts, worn by the kyōgen actor in the role of Sanbasō during the ritual piece Okina (翁). Okina stands apart from all other Noh plays — it has no plot, and the performer who puts on the mask is understood to become a deity for the duration of the dance, invoking peace in the realm and a bountiful harvest. While the shite actor wears the serene white-faced Hakushikijō, the kyōgen performer wears this sun-dark, approachable black-faced counterpart for Sanbasō’s vigorous, earth-stamping dance. The mask was made using the kanshitsu (dry-lacquer) technique, with deeply carved wrinkles across the brow and cheeks lending the face great character and warmth, and bushy, tufted eyebrows and a flowing beard in pale fibre, in keeping with the long-bearded iconography of the Okina masks. The interior bears a brush inscription in red lacquer recording the date of creation, October 1989 (Heisei 1), together with the name of the maker, Matsubayashi Junko. Okina masks of this kind have been treasured since long before Noh theatre itself took shape, valued as auspicious objects for celebratory and New Year occasions quite apart from any stage use. A finely carved and evocative piece, combining a rare traditional technique with one of the most symbolically important mask types in Japanese performing arts. Size Height: 36 cm (including beard) Width: 15.6 cm Depth: 9 cm Weight 305 g Condition A well-preserved mask with only light signs of use and a little surface rubbing here and there; overall in fine condition. Artist Profile This mask is inscribed on the interior with the date of creation, October 1989 (Heisei 1), and the name of its maker, Matsubayashi Junko (松林順子). We have not been able to independently verify further biographical details for this artist, but the piece carries her own brush inscription, confirming it as a genuine, dated work by her hand. Okina masks such as this trace their roots to sacred ritual performance that predates Noh theatre itself, with the carved form believed to have been largely established by the mid-Kamakura period. The black-faced Kokushikijō represents Sanbasō, danced by the kyōgen actor with vigorous, earth-stamping movements, in contrast to the quiet, solemn dance of the white-faced elder deity represented by Hakushikijō — together the two masks embody prayers for peace, longevity, and a fruitful harvest. Notice The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by DHL, FedEx or Japan Post depending on the situation. Please note that we may use recycled cardboard boxes for outer packaging. It takes about 2–3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. Please note that as of 1 July 2026, the EU has abolished the de minimis customs exemption. All shipments to EU countries are now subject to import duties and VAT regardless of the declared value of the goods. For shipments with a declared value under €150, an additional customs processing fee of €3 may also apply. For EU orders over €150, import VAT and a handling fee will be charged by the carrier (e.g. DHL) upon delivery. Please pay only via the carrier’s official website or app. Sometimes Customs or the delivery company in your country may contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you can answer the phone. If you don’t, the parcel will be returned to us and it costs more than double the shipping fee for reshipping. We do appreciate your kind cooperation.