Noh mask - Wood - Kotoshironushi mask (No Reserve Price)

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Current bid
€ 33
No reserve price
Giovanni Bottero
Expert
Selected by Giovanni Bottero

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

Estimate  € 150 - € 200
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ptBidder 8059 €33
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Kotoshironushi no Mikoto, a rare hand-carved wooden Bicchu Kagura mask from Japan, measuring 17.7 cm by 21 cm and weighing 230 g, dating to roughly the 1950s–1980s Showa period, in good condition with signs of aging and blemishes.

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Description from the seller

Kotoshironushi no Mikoto 事代主命 / Japanese Bicchu Kagura wooden folk craft mask

Kotoshironushi no Mikoto 事代主命
Since he is regarded as a god who "knows things," he is considered to be a deity of oracle, meaning some event. However, he is more often worshipped as the god of fishing and bountiful fish catches, as he was a fisherman during the handover of the land to Izumo. He is more commonly worshipped as the god of prosperity and business.

A rare hand-carved wooden mask depicting Kotoshironushi no Mikoto, a revered Shinto deity associated with commerce, fishing, and divine foresight. Often identified with Ebisu, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, Kotoshironushi embodies prosperity, harmony, and joyful abundance in Japanese mythology. Crafted during the Showa period, this mask features a gentle and welcoming expression, with arched eyebrows, a soft smile, and a red cap—elements traditionally linked to Ebisu iconography. The wood shows natural signs of age and use, and braided cords are attached for wear or display. The carving style reflects folk craftsmanship, blending ritual function with regional charm. Such masks were used in local festivals, shrine rituals, and celebratory performances to invoke blessings for successful harvests, thriving trade, and communal well-being. A culturally rich artifact for collectors of Japanese mythology, Shinto iconography, and traditional mask carving.

Dimensions: 6.9" x 3.1" x 8.2" / 17.7cm x 8cm x 21cm

Technique: Carving
Material: Wood

Weight: 230g

Condition
Antique items have originally crease, stain, damage, and more. I would like you to refer to the listing photos, but please understand that it's difficult to show all conditions by the photos. Special notes: DIRT, SCRATCH.

Shipping
"FREE SHIPPING" all over the world by Registered Airmail, EMS, or DHL.

Seller's Story

Reiwa Antiques is an officially licensed antique dealer based in Japan, offering a range of authentic Japanese antiques, including traditional paintings, exquisite calligraphy, and beautiful tea utensils. Our goal is to continue to provide you with a pleasant buying experience. As part of that, in order to reduce your VAT and Import Tax burden as much as possible, we offer free shipping. We have been dealing with overseas transactions for more than 10 years. Please be assured that we'll always pack your items carefully and do our best to deliver your items safely. The usual shipping methods are Registered Airmail, EMS (Postal expedited), or DHL. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or need any help. Yours cordially, Reiwa Antiques

Kotoshironushi no Mikoto 事代主命 / Japanese Bicchu Kagura wooden folk craft mask

Kotoshironushi no Mikoto 事代主命
Since he is regarded as a god who "knows things," he is considered to be a deity of oracle, meaning some event. However, he is more often worshipped as the god of fishing and bountiful fish catches, as he was a fisherman during the handover of the land to Izumo. He is more commonly worshipped as the god of prosperity and business.

A rare hand-carved wooden mask depicting Kotoshironushi no Mikoto, a revered Shinto deity associated with commerce, fishing, and divine foresight. Often identified with Ebisu, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, Kotoshironushi embodies prosperity, harmony, and joyful abundance in Japanese mythology. Crafted during the Showa period, this mask features a gentle and welcoming expression, with arched eyebrows, a soft smile, and a red cap—elements traditionally linked to Ebisu iconography. The wood shows natural signs of age and use, and braided cords are attached for wear or display. The carving style reflects folk craftsmanship, blending ritual function with regional charm. Such masks were used in local festivals, shrine rituals, and celebratory performances to invoke blessings for successful harvests, thriving trade, and communal well-being. A culturally rich artifact for collectors of Japanese mythology, Shinto iconography, and traditional mask carving.

Dimensions: 6.9" x 3.1" x 8.2" / 17.7cm x 8cm x 21cm

Technique: Carving
Material: Wood

Weight: 230g

Condition
Antique items have originally crease, stain, damage, and more. I would like you to refer to the listing photos, but please understand that it's difficult to show all conditions by the photos. Special notes: DIRT, SCRATCH.

Shipping
"FREE SHIPPING" all over the world by Registered Airmail, EMS, or DHL.

Seller's Story

Reiwa Antiques is an officially licensed antique dealer based in Japan, offering a range of authentic Japanese antiques, including traditional paintings, exquisite calligraphy, and beautiful tea utensils. Our goal is to continue to provide you with a pleasant buying experience. As part of that, in order to reduce your VAT and Import Tax burden as much as possible, we offer free shipping. We have been dealing with overseas transactions for more than 10 years. Please be assured that we'll always pack your items carefully and do our best to deliver your items safely. The usual shipping methods are Registered Airmail, EMS (Postal expedited), or DHL. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or need any help. Yours cordially, Reiwa Antiques

Details

Era
1900-2000
Manufacturer/ Brand
Bicchu Kagura folk craft mask
Material
Wood
Country of Origin
Japan
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
21 cm
Width
17.7 cm
Weight
230 g
Estimated Period
1950-1960, 1960-1970, 1970-1980
Title additional information
Kotoshironushi mask
JapanVerified
4811
Objects sold
100%
protop

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