It's a Noh Mask called 弱法師Yoroboshi made by famous sculptor Hayakawa Ami* *弱法師 https://noh-sup.hinoki-shoten.co.jp/sh/128/en Size: mask 14*19.5*7.5cm back panel 33*40*1cm *Hayakawa Ami was born in Niigata Prefecture and worked as a sculptor. 1912: Born on January 25th in Ryugashima, Niigata City as the eldest son of sculptor Hayakawa Taiichiro (Futai). 1924: Graduated from Kamitsuchigame Elementary School, Toyosaka City. 1926: Entered the sculpture department of the Japan Art School, studying under Fujii Koji, and from this time became fascinated with Noh masks. 1931: Graduated from the same school, entered Banshujuku, and studied under Fujikawa Yuzo, devoting himself to his creations. 1934: Traveled to Taiwan. 1936: Released a series of works, including "Dancing Aboriginal Woman," bringing a breath of fresh air to the Taiwanese sculpture world. Established the sculpture department of the Taiwan Art Federation Exhibition, and held a traveling exhibition for the whole of Taiwan twice a year, during which time he created over 30 bronze portraits. 1941: Conscripted to serve on the southern front. 1947: After being demobilized from Java, built an atelier in Niigata City and began creating plaster sculptures. Since then, he has pursued his own unique artistic path without belonging to any sculpting school. He was attracted to Ryokan and began working on a statue of him. 1960: He became absorbed in the study and production of primitive pottery such as flame pottery. 1963: He built a torch (flame pottery type) for the Niigata National Athletic Meet. 1968: He built an atelier on the former site of the Mase Copper Mine smelter. 1970: He conceived the idea of ​​a sacred park in Mase Village and built his long-cherished "Echigo Nanaura Kannon". He was involved in the creation of the Olympic cauldron for the Niigata National Athletic Meet, and this work is still enshrined in the front garden of Niigata Prefectural Civic Center after it was repaired following the Niigata earthquake. His work, the "Michibiki Statue," is also in the front garden of Niigata Prefectural Civic Center. After the war, when the copper mine closed, Mase was poor, and the men worked as "Mase carpenters" and the fishermen left to work. Hayakawa Ami worked hard to build an art village, immersing herself in creating artworks in his studio. However, his health deteriorated, and the art village never came to fruition. All that remains are the abandoned house and the moss-covered objects. *Noh masks have such a delicate and profound charm that their facial expressions change subtly depending on the viewing angle and the way the light hits them, and there is an anecdote that ``the heart dwells in them.''There are approximately 80 types of Noh masks used on Noh stages. The material is pounded with cypress wood and carved with chisels and various chisels. The surface is coated with gofun dissolved in glue and carefully polished with sandpaper. The eyes, eyebrows, and hair are drawn with ink, and the lips are created with vermillion ink or red. Noh masks are a craft that combines ``sculpture'' and ``painting,'' and requires various techniques such as lacquering the back, metalwork for the eyes and teeth, and flocking for the hair and beard. Shipped by Japan Post, our shipping cost includes packaging. Customs information Antique items have originally crease, stain, damage, and more. Please refer to the listing photos, but please understand that it's difficult to show all conditions by the photos. Any other costs or charges such as customs or import duties, customs clearance and handling may also apply during the shipment of your lot and will be charged to you by the involved party at a later stage if applicable. Please understand!