Ko-omote Mask From The Nō Theater - Japan - Edo Period, Early 18th Century

MASK of Ko-Omote from the Nō THEATRE
Attributed to Deme Tosui Mitsunori
Signed on the inside
Japan, Edo period, early 18th century 
Cypress wood, gofun and pigments
H. 21.5 ; L 13.5 cm

Wooden face mask, enhanced with gofun, depicting the young girl Ko-Omote - a literal transcription of "little face". 
She bears the hallmarks of innocent, aristocratic feminine beauty of the Heian period, with a pale, even complexion, round cheekbones, black hair with a parting in the middle and three strands falling to either side of the temples, plucked eyebrows drawn high on the forehead, a mouth half-open over blackened teeth - a reference to the use of walnut powder - and lips highlighted in red. His almond-shaped eyes and nostrils are pierced. 

The inside is blackened and bears a signature in red ink. 

Illustration image: Utagawa Kunisada, Murasaki Shikibu print, 1858.

The certificate of authenticity issued in 2014 by the Mingei Gallery will be given to the buyer. 

Mask on base.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

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