Noh mask - Wood - Noh mask - Ayakashi 怪士
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Starting bid
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Expert
Selected by Marion Oliviero
Holds a master's in Chinese archaeology with extensive expertise in Japanese art.
Estimate € 250 - € 350
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Description from the seller
*High quality Japanese traditional hand carved wooden Noh mask - Ayakashi 怪士
With Noh mask bag.
*Size: H 21 cm × W 14.5 cm × D 9cm
*Weight: 150 g
*Material: Hand-carved wood
*Carved signature : 『杉山』
*Condition: Excellent overall condition
Ayakashi may be written with various characters such as 怪, 怪士, 霊神, 危, or 罔象.
The term refers to a mysterious and awe-inspiring supernatural force, often associated with sea-borne apparitions.
In Noh tradition, Ayakashi represents the vengeful spirit of a fallen warrior — the lingering soul of a young samurai burdened with unresolved memories of battle.
The figure is closely linked to the Noh play Funa Benkei, in which the ghost of the Heike warrior Taira no Tomomori rises from the sea to confront Minamoto no Yoshitsune, wielding a naginata in a dramatic climax.
This mask embodies the fierce vitality of a young warrior, while also expressing sorrow, unfulfilled longing, and lingering attachment to the mortal world. Beneath its ferocity lies a subtle human fragility.
Characteristics
・Strong, outward-flowing eyebrows and beard
・Gilded eyes
・Deep ochre pigmentation
・Blackened, tightly clenched teeth
*The item will be shipped via Japan Post EMS.
【Important Notes】
• For international buyers
Any import duties, taxes, or related charges not included in the item price or shipping cost are the responsibility of the buyer.
Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki does not cover local import duties or customs charges.
• Shipping
Items are shipped via Japan Post EMS or DHL.
Estimated delivery time: EMS approx. 2 weeks / DHL approx. 3–7 days.
(Shipments to the United States will be sent via DHL or Japan Post UGX.)
• Damage or issues
In the unlikely event that an item arrives damaged, please contact both me and Catawiki support promptly.
• Photos & color
I make every effort to accurately represent the item’s colors and textures in the photographs; however, slight variations may occur due to monitor settings and photographic conditions.
Please review all descriptions and images carefully before bidding.
Thank you for your interest!
# Japanese art, Samurai
Seller's Story
Hello, I’m FLOWER.606JP, based in Kyoto, Japan.
I am a licensed Japanese antique dealer, specializing in original Japanese woodblock prints and fine antiques.
I offer a carefully curated selection of Edo–Meiji period prints, known for their dynamic compositions and vivid colors.
All items are securely packed and shipped via Japan Post EMS or DHL with tracking.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or special requests.
I sincerely hope these works will become a treasured part of your collection.
*High quality Japanese traditional hand carved wooden Noh mask - Ayakashi 怪士
With Noh mask bag.
*Size: H 21 cm × W 14.5 cm × D 9cm
*Weight: 150 g
*Material: Hand-carved wood
*Carved signature : 『杉山』
*Condition: Excellent overall condition
Ayakashi may be written with various characters such as 怪, 怪士, 霊神, 危, or 罔象.
The term refers to a mysterious and awe-inspiring supernatural force, often associated with sea-borne apparitions.
In Noh tradition, Ayakashi represents the vengeful spirit of a fallen warrior — the lingering soul of a young samurai burdened with unresolved memories of battle.
The figure is closely linked to the Noh play Funa Benkei, in which the ghost of the Heike warrior Taira no Tomomori rises from the sea to confront Minamoto no Yoshitsune, wielding a naginata in a dramatic climax.
This mask embodies the fierce vitality of a young warrior, while also expressing sorrow, unfulfilled longing, and lingering attachment to the mortal world. Beneath its ferocity lies a subtle human fragility.
Characteristics
・Strong, outward-flowing eyebrows and beard
・Gilded eyes
・Deep ochre pigmentation
・Blackened, tightly clenched teeth
*The item will be shipped via Japan Post EMS.
【Important Notes】
• For international buyers
Any import duties, taxes, or related charges not included in the item price or shipping cost are the responsibility of the buyer.
Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki does not cover local import duties or customs charges.
• Shipping
Items are shipped via Japan Post EMS or DHL.
Estimated delivery time: EMS approx. 2 weeks / DHL approx. 3–7 days.
(Shipments to the United States will be sent via DHL or Japan Post UGX.)
• Damage or issues
In the unlikely event that an item arrives damaged, please contact both me and Catawiki support promptly.
• Photos & color
I make every effort to accurately represent the item’s colors and textures in the photographs; however, slight variations may occur due to monitor settings and photographic conditions.
Please review all descriptions and images carefully before bidding.
Thank you for your interest!
# Japanese art, Samurai
Seller's Story
Hello, I’m FLOWER.606JP, based in Kyoto, Japan.
I am a licensed Japanese antique dealer, specializing in original Japanese woodblock prints and fine antiques.
I offer a carefully curated selection of Edo–Meiji period prints, known for their dynamic compositions and vivid colors.
All items are securely packed and shipped via Japan Post EMS or DHL with tracking.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or special requests.
I sincerely hope these works will become a treasured part of your collection.
Details
Era
1900-2000
No. of items
1
Material
Wood
Country of Origin
Japan
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Designer/artist/maker
Sugiyama すぎやま
Height
21 cm
Width
14.5 cm
Weight
150 g
Style
Antique
Estimated period
1950-1960, 1960-1970, 1970-1980
Title additional information
Noh mask - Ayakashi 怪士
