【Important notes】 ・International Buyers: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. ・Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying. These duties are paid to your country's customs office and not to us. Prompt payment of these fees is necessary to ensure delivery of your item. 【Product details】 This exquisite Noh mask, representing the Okina (old man), is a treasured piece from the Showa period, created by the renowned Noh mask artisan Sajii Kiyochino, who hailed from Hyogo prefecture. The Okina mask plays a pivotal role in Noh theatre, often featured in ceremonial pieces known as celebratory plays. It embodies an aged deity that symbolizes prosperity, peace for the land, and bountiful harvests. With its jovial expression and deeply carved wrinkles, this mask showcases the movable jaw craftsmanship, a feature that adds lifelike animation during performances. The Okina mask is deeply rooted in the Sarugaku tradition, capturing the essence of Japanese faith and spiritual devotion. Sajii Kiyochino's journey to becoming a mask carver began with a transition from painting to sculpting, following a personal tragedy. Largely self-taught, Sajii excelled in crafting Noh masks and carving Buddhist statues, gaining international acclaim. His legacy is remembered through anecdotes shared by his former students and preserved news articles. Sajii dedicated his centennial life to artistry and teaching, living for over 100 years until his passing in 2006. The mask comes with its original wooden box, bearing the maker's inscription inside. Signs of wear and staining due to age are evident and detailed in the accompanying photographs. Please note that the stand is not included. Dimensions: approx. H 21 cm W 14.7 cm D 7 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!