Ancient Noh Kaguru theatre lacquer mask - JAPAN

Kagura is a form of dance-theatre literally meaning ‘entertaining the gods’. It originated as dance and music rituals based on Japanese mythology that were performed during Shinto religious ceremonies

Kagura is a sacred dance with roots in shamanism, which celebrates the gods of Shinto. Kagura dances are performed across Kyushu, especially in Miyazaki, where the gods were believed to have first descended from the heavens. Kagura has been performed in Takachiho for 800 years.

 

There are many different characters in kagura performances, but the most common are gods and demons. The gods usually carry a hei (a Shinto staff with paper streamers), a sword, or a bow and arrow. The demons generally carry an onibo, or demon stick. The expressions on each mask also offer important clues: god masks have closed mouths while demon masks have gaping mouths.

This mask was made in the famous Sakurai shrine that was established in 1632. The provided wooden box has still the name if the Sakurai shrine on it.

The mask comes with this original wooden box.

This Kagura demon mask is made by laquer on wood

Age: around 80 years old

Condition: good with wear and tear. Please have a good look at the pictures as they are part of the description.

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Dinensions. H 10cm

                   W 8cm

                   D 7cm

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