Mask - Wood (No reserve price)

This is a set of three Japanese wooden traditional theatrical masks, apparently made in a similar style and probably dating from the Showa to Heisei periods of the 20th century.

One of the most interesting features of the set is the inscription on the reverse of one mask. It is clearly written “松尾明神” (Matsuo Myōjin). This identifies that particular mask as Matsuo Myōjin, a deity associated with sake brewing and also appearing in the repertoire of Bitchū Kagura in Okayama Prefecture.

The first mask is inscribed “松尾明神” (Matsuo Myōjin) on the reverse. The face has a distinctive and expressive appearance, with carefully painted eyebrows, eyes, nose and mouth. The red cords attached to the sides are also preserved.

The second mask has a different facial expression, with a prominent green beard and strongly defined eyebrows and eyes. The reverse has no visible inscription identifying the character.

The third mask has a particularly cheerful expression, with a broad toothy smile, moustache and colourful dotted decoration on the cheeks. The lower part of the face is painted blue. No identifying inscription is present on the reverse.

Although the exact characters represented by the second and third masks are unknown, the three masks have clearly been made in a closely related style. Their different expressions make the group particularly interesting when displayed together.

Matsuo Myōjin and Japanese Kagura
Matsuo Myōjin (松尾明神) is a deity associated in Japan with sake brewing. In Bitchū Kagura, a traditional performing art of the Bitchū region of Okayama Prefecture, Matsuo Myōjin appears in the “Orochi Taiji” or “Slaying of the Great Serpent” performance, where his humorous performance is part of the entertainment.

Bitchū Kagura developed from sacred Kagura traditions and later incorporated more theatrical storytelling, music, dance and mythological narratives. It has been designated by the Japanese government as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
The inscription “松尾明神” on one of the present masks provides an interesting connection to this traditional Japanese performing culture.

Traditional Japanese Mask Craftsmanship
The masks are carved from wood and have been finished with painted surfaces in a colourful traditional style. The modelling of the eyes, eyebrows, noses, mouths and facial contours gives each mask its own distinctive personality.

The painting is particularly effective on the third mask, where the green, red, black, white and blue colours create a lively and theatrical appearance. The second mask is characterized by its unusual green beard, while the first has a more restrained but equally expressive facial expression.

The backs of the masks clearly reveal their wooden construction. Each mask has openings around the eyes and other areas, together with cords for securing or wearing the mask.

The masks show various signs of age and previous use, including scratches, rubbing, small losses of paint, discolouration, marks and wear to the wooden surfaces and cords. Some areas of the painted finish have become worn over time, while other areas remain relatively bright. These characteristics are clearly visible in the photographs and contribute to the used and aged character of the set.

The masks appear to be relatively modern examples rather than Edo- or Meiji-period masks, and are believed to date from the Showa to Heisei periods.

A Distinctive Set of Three Japanese Masks
This group is particularly appealing because three masks with such closely related construction and painting have been preserved together, while one of them carries the clearly visible inscription “松尾明神” (Matsuo Myōjin).

The different facial expressions also make the three masks visually effective as a group. Whether displayed together or individually, they offer an interesting glimpse into the tradition of Japanese theatrical and religious mask-making.

For collectors of Japanese masks, Kagura-related objects, folk art and traditional Japanese decorative crafts, this set provides an attractive opportunity to acquire three characterful wooden masks with a clear Japanese cultural connection.

Right
Height 22.6 cm
Width 14.3 cm
Depth 7.8 cm
Weight 310 g

Center
Height 20.7 cm
Width 15.3 cm
Depth 8.0 cm
Weight 290 g

Left
Height 20.7 cm
Width 14.2 cm
Depth 6.2 cm
Weight 210 g

Condition:
The condition is generally good. There is no major damage. However, as it is a used item, there are some damages such as scratches, scuffs, dullness, peeling, fading, wear and tear, dents, discoloration. It has been stored at home. There are many photos, so please take a look.

Atention:
The items listed for sale are all used collectibles. Please consider them to have signs of aging, such as stains, scratches, scuffs, tears, discoloration, fading, fraying, and changes in thread color. We will post as many photos as possible to make it easy to understand. As these are old items, we appreciate your understanding before making a purchase.

Shipping:
The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped from Japan.
We will use either EMS, DHL or FedEx for a safe and secure transportation. Shipping costs have surged due to the global situation. Therefore, we generally use EMS to keep shipping fees as low as possible. We ask for your understanding in this matter. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for delivery, and the package will be shipped with a tracking number. Import duties, taxes, VAT, and any other charges are not included in the item price and shipping cost. Please check your country's import duties before bidding.

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