A Rare Hinoki Mask of ‘Ja’

A Rare Hinoki Mask of ‘Ja’
Painted with an earthen red polychrome over gesso, with fine sparse hair, the cheeks with distinctive v-shaped markings, suggestive of dragon’s whiskers, the eye balls in inset gilt copper
Wood, gesso, metal, gilt, pigment 
Japan 
Edo Period / 17th to 18th Century 

Size: 26cm high - 10¼ ins high
A Rare Hinoki Mask of ‘Ja’
Painted with an earthen red polychrome over gesso, with fine sparse hair, the cheeks with distinctive v-shaped markings, suggestive of dragon’s whiskers, the eye balls in inset gilt copper
Wood, gesso, metal, gilt, pigment 
Japan 
Edo Period / 17th to 18th Century 

Size: 26cm high - 10¼ ins high

Ink inscription on the reverse: “nakabashichō tenya jūbei” 
It is probable that this mask was not intended for theatrical purposes, but rather as a temple offering. The inscription appears to refer to a specific location (Nakabashichō) and an individual or donor (Tenya Jūbei).
Au Bon Marche, Paris, (label from the early 20th Century)  
Ex Private French collection
Ex Irish collection

A Rare Hinoki Mask of ‘Ja’

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