Noh mask - Wood - Kentoku (No Reserve Price)






Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
| €145 | ||
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| €125 | ||
| €115 | ||
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Kentoku is a signed, hand carved Shōwa era wooden mask from Japan, 19.5 by 14 cm and 178 g, with playful kyōgen inspired irony.
Description from the seller
Behold the Kentoku (Ken-toh-koo, 顕徳), a whimsical guardian of irony crafted in timeless anonymity, embodying the playful scorn of anthropomorphic spirits that mock human folly with auspicious humor.
This mask personifies nature's wit, inviting joyful reflection on our flaws through its clever representation of animals, plants, or supernatural beings in Kyōgen comedy. Rooted in Japan's Noh theater traditions and hand-carved during the Shōwa era, it echoes ancient styles while bridging performative legacy to modern appreciation. Evoking light-hearted wisdom and auspicious energy, the Kentoku serves as a versatile collector's piece, blending antiquity with contemporary decor to infuse spaces with cultural depth and emotional resonance.
Dimensions: L × W × H: 19.5 × 14 × 7.5 cm
Weight: 178 grams
Material: Wood
Condition: Patina with blemishes due to age, some scratches
Country of Origin: Japan
Historical Period (estimate): Shōwa period (1926–1989)
The Kentoku's bulging eyes and curled lip summon a mischievous grin, inviting laughter from the shadows of time. Its warm orange hue and exaggerated features stir a sense of playful irony, as if nature itself winks at human vanities. Subtle patina and scratches whisper stories of enduring spirit, evoking a tactile connection to Japan's whimsical heritage.
Securely packaged and shipment is always insured for safe delivery. Colors can vary depending on platform used for viewing. Best viewed on monitor [sRGB].
Behold the Kentoku (Ken-toh-koo, 顕徳), a whimsical guardian of irony crafted in timeless anonymity, embodying the playful scorn of anthropomorphic spirits that mock human folly with auspicious humor.
This mask personifies nature's wit, inviting joyful reflection on our flaws through its clever representation of animals, plants, or supernatural beings in Kyōgen comedy. Rooted in Japan's Noh theater traditions and hand-carved during the Shōwa era, it echoes ancient styles while bridging performative legacy to modern appreciation. Evoking light-hearted wisdom and auspicious energy, the Kentoku serves as a versatile collector's piece, blending antiquity with contemporary decor to infuse spaces with cultural depth and emotional resonance.
Dimensions: L × W × H: 19.5 × 14 × 7.5 cm
Weight: 178 grams
Material: Wood
Condition: Patina with blemishes due to age, some scratches
Country of Origin: Japan
Historical Period (estimate): Shōwa period (1926–1989)
The Kentoku's bulging eyes and curled lip summon a mischievous grin, inviting laughter from the shadows of time. Its warm orange hue and exaggerated features stir a sense of playful irony, as if nature itself winks at human vanities. Subtle patina and scratches whisper stories of enduring spirit, evoking a tactile connection to Japan's whimsical heritage.
Securely packaged and shipment is always insured for safe delivery. Colors can vary depending on platform used for viewing. Best viewed on monitor [sRGB].
