Nō - Hakushikijō - by Suzuki Nohzin (1928-2003)

Please note: We do not accept returns. Please note that all masks in question are old and were made and/or used by Japanese people. Because of this, the items have various weathering and imperfections. They are not perfect. In the photos you can see the quality of the items. You will receive the mask in the photo.

This type of Okina, or old man, mask is used only for the play called “Okina,” performed at New Year's or for special occasions. The mask depicts a happy old man and is held to be sacred.

The Okina mask is a type of ritual object derived from Sarugaku, the classical form of Noh, and is said to have been in use as early as the late Heian period (12th century). It predates all other types of Noh masks.

The Okina mask is characterized by its individually carved and mounted lower jaw (kiriago). The decorative, bushy eyebrows are unique to this mask. It is also the only mask that can be put on and taken off on stage. It is worn by the "shite" in Okinawan when dancing the prayer for a peaceful empire and a prosperous country.

I have included a photo from the book "Nō no Hana" as an example of how the mask was worn.

Description
This wooden carved Okina mask, Hakushikijō, was made by Suzuki Nohzin (1928-2003). Suzuki Nohzin made masks for Kyōgen and Noh theatre and studied with Nagasawa Ujiharu. He was also known as Suzuki Nojin.

The mask comes with a silk bag and a matching Japanese wooden box with calligraphy and a red stamp. These boxes, called a kiribako, are used to store and protect delicate or valuable items, such as ceramics or works of art. The box is made of paulownia wood, which is known for its moisture-resistant and insect-repellent properties.

The characters on the front of the box, 翁 (okina), translate to "old man." The characters inside the box, 鈴木能仁 (Suzuki Yoshihito), refer to the Japanese artist. The red stamp is likely his hanko, a personal seal or stamp used as a signature in Japan. This combination of name and stamp on a wooden box serves as the artist's signature for the object inside the box.

Why so expensive
Noh masks are masks used in Nohgaku, a traditional performing art that began 700 years ago during the Kamakura period in Japan. Once on the verge of extinction, Nohgaku was preserved as a traditional art form by the Emperor of Japan and has been passed down to this day.

This is a custom-made Noh mask made to order.

Specifications
Artist: 鈴木能仁 (Suzuki Yoshihito)
Country of origin: Japan
Period: early to mid 20th century

Material: wood
Mask dimensions: approx. 18cm h x 15cm w
Box dimensions: 13cm l x 20cm w x 26cm h
Weight: 750 grams