Noh mask - Wood - Uba [姥] + Bag

Starting bid
€ 1

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Giovanni Bottero
Expert
Selected by Giovanni Bottero

Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.

Estimate  € 300 - € 400
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Description from the seller

Channeling a quiet, otherworldly dignity, the 姥(うば / Uba—Old Woman)is a classical Noh mask representing an elderly figure who frequently reveals herself as an ancient spirit or divine incarnation. The canonical form balances an earthly severity with transcendent serenity, embodying the liminal tension and enduring spiritual themes of the Japanese stage.

This wooden mask is estimated to date from the Shōwa or Heisei period and remains in good condition. It is marked with the characters 五子; while these literally translate to “five children,” they likely represent an artistic name whose pronunciation and attribution are undetermined. The piece is accompanied by a bag.

Character: 姥(うば / Uba—Old Woman)
Maker: 五子 (pronunciation and attribution undetermined)
Material: Wood
Dimensions: 21.5 × 14 × 7 cm
Weight: 166 g
Accessories: Bag

When displayed, the mask summons a haunting and contemplative atmosphere. Drawing upon its symbolic role as an earthly vessel for ancient spirits, this enigmatic piece anchors a space, offering a striking encounter with the spiritual architecture of traditional Noh theatre.

The mask will be securely packaged, and the shipment will be fully insured.

Channeling a quiet, otherworldly dignity, the 姥(うば / Uba—Old Woman)is a classical Noh mask representing an elderly figure who frequently reveals herself as an ancient spirit or divine incarnation. The canonical form balances an earthly severity with transcendent serenity, embodying the liminal tension and enduring spiritual themes of the Japanese stage.

This wooden mask is estimated to date from the Shōwa or Heisei period and remains in good condition. It is marked with the characters 五子; while these literally translate to “five children,” they likely represent an artistic name whose pronunciation and attribution are undetermined. The piece is accompanied by a bag.

Character: 姥(うば / Uba—Old Woman)
Maker: 五子 (pronunciation and attribution undetermined)
Material: Wood
Dimensions: 21.5 × 14 × 7 cm
Weight: 166 g
Accessories: Bag

When displayed, the mask summons a haunting and contemplative atmosphere. Drawing upon its symbolic role as an earthly vessel for ancient spirits, this enigmatic piece anchors a space, offering a striking encounter with the spiritual architecture of traditional Noh theatre.

The mask will be securely packaged, and the shipment will be fully insured.

Details

Era
1900-2000
Number of objects
2
Material
Wood
Country of origin
Japan
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Designer/artist/maker
五子 (pronunciation undetermined)
Height
21.5 cm
Width
14 cm
Weight
166 g
Estimated period
Shōwa/Heisei Period
Title additional information
Uba [姥] + Bag
The NetherlandsVerified
77
Objects sold
100%
Private

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