Description

野村鸞 Nomura Ran (act.ca. 1963-2003) 節木増 Fushikizo - Old Female Mask / Japanese Traditional Noh Wooden Carving Mask with Original Box (Tomobako) VA865

野村鸞 Nomura Ran (act.ca. 1963-2003)
Born in Hiroshima. A Noh mask maker who carries on the tradition of Noh masks from the Muromachi period through to the Edo period into the modern era.

節木増 Fushikizo
A mask said to have been created by Zoami - 増阿弥 (Muromachi Jidai) of the Hōshō-ryū school. Made from knotty camphor wood, it bears resin stains near the inner corners of the eyes along the bridge of the nose. Hence its name, meaning “Zoonna of the knotty tree”. Used in Noh plays such as “Eguchi” and “Kumano”.

This finely carved Noh mask represents Fushikizō, a rare and expressive type of old woman mask used in classical Japanese Noh theater. The mask is crafted by Nomura Ran, a contemporary master of Noh mask carving, known for his ability to evoke subtle emotion and spiritual depth through wood and pigment. Fushikizō is associated with roles depicting grief, transcendence, and spiritual presence, often appearing in plays such as Sumidagawa, Sotoba Komachi, and Obasute. The mask’s delicate asymmetry and subdued expression allow it to convey complex emotional states, shifting with light and angle during performance. Carved from wood and finished with natural pigments, this mask comes with its original tomobako (signed wooden box) and silk pouch, ensuring authenticity and preservation. It is suitable for collectors of Japanese performing arts, mask enthusiasts, or interior display.

Age: 1983 February / 昭和五十八年 如月
Artist: 野村鸞 Nomura Ran

Dimension: 5.5" x 2.3" x 8.3" / 14cm x 6cm x 21.3cm

Technique: Carving
Material: Wood

Weight: 770g including Original Box (Tomobako)

Condition

Antique items have originally crease, stain, damage, and more. I would like you to refer to the listing photos, but please understand that it's difficult to show all conditions by the photos. Special notes: SCRATCH, DAMAGE.

About colors of the photos

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