Noh mask - Shakyamuni Buddha 釈迦 Signed 'Hitoshi 仁志' with Wooden Box

【Important notes】

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・Shipping will commence sequentially from January 4th of next year.

【Product details】

This wooden mask of Shakyamuni Buddha is a specialized Noh mask, primarily used in the traditional Japanese Noh theater performance titled "Dai-e 大会." In this play, a crow tengu disguises itself as Shakyamuni to deliver a sermon. The mask is layered and used for quick costume changes during the performance. It is covered in kindei—a mixture of lacquer and gold powder—giving it the appearance of a Buddha statue.

Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha and founder of Buddhism, is more widely known as Gautama Siddhartha. After long years of ascetic practice, he attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree and became known as the Buddha (the Enlightened One). His teachings form the foundation of Buddhism, emphasizing practices such as meditation, ethical behavior, and wisdom, to achieve liberation from suffering.

This mask is decorated with characteristic features of Buddha iconography. The head is adorned with spiraling curls, symbolizing Buddha’s superior wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. The center of the forehead contains a small glass symbol, representing Buddha's wisdom. Above this glass, there is a red jewel, known as the Ushnisha, which further symbolizes Buddha's elevated spiritual status.

Signs of wear and aging are present, including scuffs, discoloration, cracks, chips, and some areas of repaired lacquer. Please refer to the photos for a closer look at the condition.

Dimensions: approx. H 20.5 cm W 21 cm D 19.5 cm

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Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!