Noh mask in Uba wood (姥) + bag - Wood - Signed Masa (正) - Japan - Shōwa period (1926-1989)
05
days
00
hours
50
minutes
32
seconds
 | €21 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €18 | |
| €1 |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 142824 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Hand-carved wooden Noh mask of the character Uba, signed Masa, from Japan, Shōwa period, with its storage bag; dimensions 21 cm high by 14 cm wide by 7 cm deep, weight 161 g, in good condition and officially original.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Splendid and expressive Japanese theater mask Noh, carved by hand in finely carved wood, depicting the character Uba (the elderly woman). This mask is famous for its appearances in important classical dramas like Takasago, where it embodies the spirit of longevity, wisdom, and conjugal fidelity.
The front features extraordinary craftsmanship: the concentric wrinkles on the forehead and around the half-closed eyes convey deep dignity and serene melancholy. The mouth is open, showing the typical darkened teeth (Ohaguro), an ancient aristocratic Japanese custom. The surface finish is achieved with traditional pigments.
The back of the mask reveals distinctive gouge marks on the wood (Hinoki or Japanese cypress), intentionally left visible and finished with a protective dark lacquer. On the back there are important authentication elements:
• Fire-ink seal (Hankō): The square character "正" (Masa).
• Technical marks: On the right there are linear wedge incisions, traditionally used by the carver as shop inventory marks or codes for balancing the thickness and resonance of the wood.
A collectible piece with excellent visual impact and philological rigor.
The mask is accompanied by its preservation pouch.
Specifications and details:
• Character: Uba (Old Woman)
• Author / Carver: Signed Masa (正)
• Material: Carved wood, traditional pigments, lacquer, fabric
• Included accessories: pouch
• Origin: Japan
• Estimated historical period: Shōwa Period (1926–1989)
• Dimensions: H 21 cm, W 14 cm, D 7 cm
• Weight: 161 g
*Condition:
In good condition - used, with minor signs of age, small scratches and stains.
Antique items originally have scratches, discoloration, damage and more. Before making offers I would refer you to the photos in the listing, but please understand that it is difficult to show all conditions through the photos.
*Special notes: DIRT, DAMAGE, SCRATCHES, Minor wear, fading and discoloration present due to age.
The item will be carefully packed and shipped.
*NOTE: the item ships only to European Union member countries; we do not ship to countries outside Europe and outside the EU.
Splendid and expressive Japanese theater mask Noh, carved by hand in finely carved wood, depicting the character Uba (the elderly woman). This mask is famous for its appearances in important classical dramas like Takasago, where it embodies the spirit of longevity, wisdom, and conjugal fidelity.
The front features extraordinary craftsmanship: the concentric wrinkles on the forehead and around the half-closed eyes convey deep dignity and serene melancholy. The mouth is open, showing the typical darkened teeth (Ohaguro), an ancient aristocratic Japanese custom. The surface finish is achieved with traditional pigments.
The back of the mask reveals distinctive gouge marks on the wood (Hinoki or Japanese cypress), intentionally left visible and finished with a protective dark lacquer. On the back there are important authentication elements:
• Fire-ink seal (Hankō): The square character "正" (Masa).
• Technical marks: On the right there are linear wedge incisions, traditionally used by the carver as shop inventory marks or codes for balancing the thickness and resonance of the wood.
A collectible piece with excellent visual impact and philological rigor.
The mask is accompanied by its preservation pouch.
Specifications and details:
• Character: Uba (Old Woman)
• Author / Carver: Signed Masa (正)
• Material: Carved wood, traditional pigments, lacquer, fabric
• Included accessories: pouch
• Origin: Japan
• Estimated historical period: Shōwa Period (1926–1989)
• Dimensions: H 21 cm, W 14 cm, D 7 cm
• Weight: 161 g
*Condition:
In good condition - used, with minor signs of age, small scratches and stains.
Antique items originally have scratches, discoloration, damage and more. Before making offers I would refer you to the photos in the listing, but please understand that it is difficult to show all conditions through the photos.
*Special notes: DIRT, DAMAGE, SCRATCHES, Minor wear, fading and discoloration present due to age.
The item will be carefully packed and shipped.
*NOTE: the item ships only to European Union member countries; we do not ship to countries outside Europe and outside the EU.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Shōwa period (1926-1989)
Artist
Signed Masa (正)
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Material
Wood
Height
21 cm
Width
14 cm
Title of artwork
Noh mask in Uba wood (姥) + bag
Depth
7 cm
Condition
Good condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
