Description: This is an authentic, hand-carved wooden mask of "Uba" (the elderly woman) from the celebrated play "Takasago." This piece was crafted by the esteemed master artisan Nakatani Kogyoku (中谷浩玉), a renowned maker of masks for "Bitchu Kagura" (an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan). In Japanese culture, the "Takasago" theme symbolizes longevity and a happy, eternal marriage, making this "Uba" mask a very auspicious and meaningful art piece. Nakatani’s mastery is evident in the gentle, benevolent expression and the intricate carving of the wrinkles, which exude a sense of spiritual dignity and graceful aging. The reverse side of the mask features hand-written inscriptions and the artist's red seal (rakkan), confirming its origin and date. Features: Artisan: Nakatani Kogyoku (中谷浩玉) - Renowned mask maker for Bitchu Kagura. Motif: Uba (Old Woman) from the play "Takasago." Material: Hand-carved wood with traditional mineral pigments. Inscriptions on Reverse: Play Title: Takasago (高砂) Character: Uba (姥) Date: Heisei 8 (1996) Signature: Kogyoku / Hiro-saku (浩 / 浩作) with artist's stamp. Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Please refer to the photos for the fine details of the carving. Note: This lot includes the mask only. No original wooden box is included. It will be professionally packed for secure international shipping. Atention: The items listed for sale are all used collectibles. Please consider them to have signs of aging, such as stains, scratches, scuffs, tears, discoloration, fading, fraying, and changes in thread color. We will post as many photos as possible to make it easy to understand. As these are old items, we appreciate your understanding before making a purchase. Shipping: The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped from Japan. We will use either EMS or FedEx for a safe and secure transportation. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for delivery, and the package will be shipped with a tracking number. Import duties, taxes, VAT, and any other charges are not included in the item price and shipping cost. Please check your country's import duties before bidding.