Noh mask - Noh Mask Ko-omote (小面) with Purple Cord , Wood (No Reserve Price)

06
days
12
hours
51
minutes
35
seconds
Current bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Marion Oliviero
Expert
Selected by Marion Oliviero

Holds a master's in Chinese archaeology with extensive expertise in Japanese art.

Estimate  € 160 - € 200
5 other people are watching this object
esBidder 0338 €1

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A hand carved Ko-omote Noh mask from Japan, finished with gofun, with a faded purple cord for display or performance.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities. We strongly recommend checking with your country's customs office to determine these additional costs before bidding or buying. Prompt payment of these fees ensures timely delivery.
・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). Upon request, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx for an additional fee.
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately before leaving a negative review. We kindly ask for your patience and the opportunity to rectify the issue. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

【Product details】

This hand-carved wooden Noh mask depicts Ko-omote, a character representing a young woman around sixteen to seventeen years old. In Noh theatre, Ko-omote expresses the grace and emotional sensitivity of youth. The mask is finished with gofun (white pigment made from crushed oyster shell), giving it a refined, luminous surface.

Its expression is intentionally ambiguous—appearing both gentle and wistful depending on the viewer’s angle. On stage, subtle changes in the mask’s tilt can transform its emotion, shifting between brightness and melancholy. The ohaguro (blackened teeth) detail symbolises adulthood.

Fitted with a purple cord, now faded with age, for display or performance.

Some blemishes including scuffs, discolouration, and stains due to age. Fair to good ussed condition.
Please refer to the photos for details.

Dimensions: approx. H 20.4 cm W 13.5 cm D 7.5 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!

Seller's Story

Welcome to Yorozuya Arinsu!                                                             We are an antique shop based on the outskirts of Tokyo, originally focusing on the Japanese market but proudly expanding to serve international customers. In August 2023, we became a pro seller on Catawiki, and since then, we’ve enjoyed sharing our passion for Japanese art and antiques with collectors worldwide.                                           Our collection includes a diverse range of items, from genuine antiques to contemporary art pieces. We take pride in offering unique, high-quality objects that reflect Japan’s rich cultural heritage as well as modern creativity. If there’s something specific you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us on Instagram: 【yorozuya_arinsu】                                                          Thank you for visiting our shop, and we look forward to helping you find your next special piece!                                   

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities. We strongly recommend checking with your country's customs office to determine these additional costs before bidding or buying. Prompt payment of these fees ensures timely delivery.
・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). Upon request, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx for an additional fee.
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately before leaving a negative review. We kindly ask for your patience and the opportunity to rectify the issue. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

【Product details】

This hand-carved wooden Noh mask depicts Ko-omote, a character representing a young woman around sixteen to seventeen years old. In Noh theatre, Ko-omote expresses the grace and emotional sensitivity of youth. The mask is finished with gofun (white pigment made from crushed oyster shell), giving it a refined, luminous surface.

Its expression is intentionally ambiguous—appearing both gentle and wistful depending on the viewer’s angle. On stage, subtle changes in the mask’s tilt can transform its emotion, shifting between brightness and melancholy. The ohaguro (blackened teeth) detail symbolises adulthood.

Fitted with a purple cord, now faded with age, for display or performance.

Some blemishes including scuffs, discolouration, and stains due to age. Fair to good ussed condition.
Please refer to the photos for details.

Dimensions: approx. H 20.4 cm W 13.5 cm D 7.5 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!

Seller's Story

Welcome to Yorozuya Arinsu!                                                             We are an antique shop based on the outskirts of Tokyo, originally focusing on the Japanese market but proudly expanding to serve international customers. In August 2023, we became a pro seller on Catawiki, and since then, we’ve enjoyed sharing our passion for Japanese art and antiques with collectors worldwide.                                           Our collection includes a diverse range of items, from genuine antiques to contemporary art pieces. We take pride in offering unique, high-quality objects that reflect Japan’s rich cultural heritage as well as modern creativity. If there’s something specific you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us on Instagram: 【yorozuya_arinsu】                                                          Thank you for visiting our shop, and we look forward to helping you find your next special piece!                                   

Details

Era
1900-2000
Material
Noh Mask Ko-omote (小面) with Purple Cord, Wood
Country of Origin
Japan
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
20.4 cm
Width
13.5 cm
Estimated Period
Showa period
JapanVerified
4412
Objects sold
99.82%
protop

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