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

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€ 40
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Giovanni Bottero
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Selected by Giovanni Bottero

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

Estimate  € 150 - € 250
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Inashihagi no Mikoto wooden mask, a Bicchu Kagura folk craft mask from Japan, carved wood, 21 cm high by 14.5 cm wide, weighs 220 g, in good condition with small signs of aging and blemishes, dating to the Showa period (1950s–1980s).

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Description from the seller

Inashihagi no Mikoto 稲背脛命 / Japanese Bicchu Kagura wooden folk craft mask

Inashihagi no Mikoto 稲背脛命
A deity appearing in texts such as the Nihon Shoki. In the myth of the transfer of the country, he serves as an envoy to Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto.

A rare and expressive wooden mask representing Inasehagi no Mikoto, a regional Shinto deity associated with agricultural vitality, local protection, and ancestral reverence. Though lesser-known in mainstream mythology, Inasehagi is venerated in specific shrine traditions and folk rituals, often linked to land fertility and seasonal renewal. Carved during the Showa period, this mask features bold facial contours—furrowed brows, intense eyes, and a stern mouth—evoking the commanding presence of a guardian spirit. The wood shows natural signs of age and use, with braided cords attached for wear or display. The craftsmanship reflects traditional folk carving techniques, blending ritual function with regional identity. Such masks were likely used in local festivals, shrine dances, or kagura performances to honor the deity and invoke blessings for harvest, protection, and communal harmony. A culturally rich and distinctive artifact for collectors of Japanese folk religion, Shinto iconography, and traditional mask art.

Dimensions: 5.7" x 2.7" x 8.2" / 14.5cm x 7cm x 21cm

Technique: Carving
Material: Wood

Weight: 220g

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

Inashihagi no Mikoto 稲背脛命 / Japanese Bicchu Kagura wooden folk craft mask

Inashihagi no Mikoto 稲背脛命
A deity appearing in texts such as the Nihon Shoki. In the myth of the transfer of the country, he serves as an envoy to Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto.

A rare and expressive wooden mask representing Inasehagi no Mikoto, a regional Shinto deity associated with agricultural vitality, local protection, and ancestral reverence. Though lesser-known in mainstream mythology, Inasehagi is venerated in specific shrine traditions and folk rituals, often linked to land fertility and seasonal renewal. Carved during the Showa period, this mask features bold facial contours—furrowed brows, intense eyes, and a stern mouth—evoking the commanding presence of a guardian spirit. The wood shows natural signs of age and use, with braided cords attached for wear or display. The craftsmanship reflects traditional folk carving techniques, blending ritual function with regional identity. Such masks were likely used in local festivals, shrine dances, or kagura performances to honor the deity and invoke blessings for harvest, protection, and communal harmony. A culturally rich and distinctive artifact for collectors of Japanese folk religion, Shinto iconography, and traditional mask art.

Dimensions: 5.7" x 2.7" x 8.2" / 14.5cm x 7cm x 21cm

Technique: Carving
Material: Wood

Weight: 220g

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
14.5 cm
Weight
220 g
Estimated Period
1950-1960, 1960-1970, 1970-1980
Title additional information
Inashihagi mask
JapanVerified
4805
Objects sold
100%
protop

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