Nō - Waka Onna - by Gagyū Ujiyoshi

Please note: we do not accept returns. Please note that all masks listed are old and made and/or used by Japanese. As a result, the items have different weathering and imperfections. They are not perfect. You can see the quality of the items in the photos. You will receive the mask in the photo.

The Waka Onna (若女) mask can be used for the piece Yuya or Matsukaze, but it is sometimes said that it is better suited for Nonomiya. In any case, it is a mask that is difficult to master. It is precisely in the confrontation and fusion between the Nō mask and the actor that the beauty of the Nō and the Nō mask is born.

Description:
Created by esteemed mask carver Gagyū Ujiyoshi (臥牛氏郷), a member of Japan's Noh Academy based in Sendai City, this finely crafted Noh mask embodies the serene beauty of a young woman.

The inside of the mask is signed by the artist, complete with a lanyard.

You can see that this mask has lived and suffered. The traces of use are obvious. The mask has been worn, fallen, put away and brought out again. The damage does not detract from its beauty and can be seen as scars that, just like us, can be acquired during our lives.

In the Japanese approach to Nō masks, strong emphasis is placed on their living character. On the face of an actor they come to life. They suck up his blood, sweat and soul and put themselves in his place. The mask is like a god who takes possession of its medium. Every performance is a subdued battle between the actor and his mask.

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

This is a custom made Noh mask that was made to order. The mask represents all the emotions in a Noh play, such as joy, anger, sadness and pleasure.

Specifications:
Condition of the mask: There are signs of use and although the paint on the surface has flaked off, the wooden structure is still very good and a professional can clearly see that this is a very high quality mask. See the photos for a detailed impression of the condition.

Material: Wood
Country of origin: Japan
Dimensions: approx. 21 x 14 x 7 cm
Weight: Too light to weigh.