Ancient Japanese Mask, From The Noh Theater Of The Late Edo Period, It Is A Kijin, An Angry Demon

This is a Japanese Noh theater mask of the Kijin type, in carved, polychromed and lacquered wood, with glass eyes and goatee made of real hair. Mask from the late Edo period (18th-19th century) This Japanese Noh mask of the Kijin type (divine demon / fierce spirit), was used to embody a powerful character, often protective or destructive. The teeth are carved and some damaged and the polychromy is worn. The hole at the top of the mask was used to fix the cord to attach it to the actor's face. The goatee is fixed with real hair, the patina is very old, with traces of natural wear, cracks and remains of gilding. Which corresponds well to an old traditional lacquer (urushi). The eyes seem to be blown glass inserted separately in the sockets - a refined work, typical of high-level masks. The teeth are carved directly in the wood, then probably painted in the past. Today, we see the wear and some missing parts, which confirms the age. Goatee hairs: probably natural (horse or human), implanted in a drilled hole. The interior of the mask is hand-carved, with tool marks, sold with the base. Height with the base 38 cm.