Very Rare mask of Kokushiki-jo with inscriptions Kaō on the inside. It was donated to a Niigata Temple.
Kokushiki-jo is also called Sanbasō because it appears in the third piece of a programme, and "the third" is translated to "Sanban" in Japanese. It has been used in celebrations since the dawning of Noh as Sarugaku, It is believed that Kokushiki-jo is the first mask created in Japan.
As it is an old article there may be some wear, but in general it is in very good condition.
Please take the pictures as your reference.
Name: Kokushiki-jo
Category: Okina
Technique: Carved in wood.
Year of Production: 1852
Size: 20 x 15cm / 7.8 x 5.9 in(beard aprox. 30 cm / 11.8 in)
(The color may vary slightly in the photos and/or video, please understand.)