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An incredible original and rare 16th Century Gagaku Karasu Tengu ritual mask dating from the Muromachi period in Japan. Hand carved out of a single piece of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Finished in its original black lacquer, the extremely old reddish pigment is still visible. Well carved with nice detailing, the Karasu (crow bird) is depicted with a round food offering in its beak. The scalp shows holes where there were originally long hair strands that have since worn away due to the age of this mask.
The earliest existing Kyogen scripts date from the 15th century. Noh was a spiritual drama, combining symbolism from Buddhism and Shintoism and focusing on tales with mythic significance. Kyogen, its comic partner, served as a link between the theological themes of the noh play with the pedestrian world by use of theatrical farce and slapstick. Noh theatre was generally performed for the elite aristocratic class, but there were occasions where noh was also performed for common audiences. Noh and kyogen plays were performed together in series of nine, alternating between the two styles, with short kyogen plays acting as interludes between the lengthy Noh. Both men and women were allowed to perform Kyogen until 1430.
The Crow-God is a symbol specifically of guidance and the appearance of the great bird is construed as evidence of the will of Heaven or divine intervention in human affairs.
Muromachi period, also called Ashikaga Period, in Japanese history, period of the Ashikaga Shogunate (1338–1573). It was named for a district in Kyōto, where the first Ashikaga shogun, Takauji, established his administrative headquarters. Although Takauji took the title of shogun for himself and his heirs, complete control of Japan eluded him.
In spite of the political disorder, the Muromachi period witnessed great cultural growth, particularly under the influence of Zen Buddhism. The uniquely Japanese arts of the tea ceremony, flower arranging, and not drama were developed, while the Sung style of ink painting (sumi-e) reached its height. In architecture simplicity and austerity were the general rule. Both the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) and Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji) in Kyōto were constructed as shogunal retreats during the Muromachi period.
Muromachi Period (1338 - 1573) C. 16th Century
9" wide X 14" high 7 1/2" deep
The earliest existing Kyogen scripts date from the 15th century. Noh was a spiritual drama, combining symbolism from Buddhism and Shintoism and focusing on tales with mythic significance. Kyogen, its comic partner, served as a link between the theological themes of the noh play with the pedestrian world by use of theatrical farce and slapstick. Noh theatre was generally performed for the elite aristocratic class, but there were occasions where noh was also performed for common audiences. Noh and kyogen plays were performed together in series of nine, alternating between the two styles, with short kyogen plays acting as interludes between the lengthy Noh. Both men and women were allowed to perform Kyogen until 1430.
The Crow-God is a symbol specifically of guidance and the appearance of the great bird is construed as evidence of the will of Heaven or divine intervention in human affairs.
Muromachi period, also called Ashikaga Period, in Japanese history, period of the Ashikaga Shogunate (1338–1573). It was named for a district in Kyōto, where the first Ashikaga shogun, Takauji, established his administrative headquarters. Although Takauji took the title of shogun for himself and his heirs, complete control of Japan eluded him.
In spite of the political disorder, the Muromachi period witnessed great cultural growth, particularly under the influence of Zen Buddhism. The uniquely Japanese arts of the tea ceremony, flower arranging, and not drama were developed, while the Sung style of ink painting (sumi-e) reached its height. In architecture simplicity and austerity were the general rule. Both the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) and Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji) in Kyōto were constructed as shogunal retreats during the Muromachi period.
Muromachi Period (1338 - 1573) C. 16th Century
9" wide X 14" high 7 1/2" deep
SOLD
item #1426211
