Noh mask Mikazuki
NOH45
Meaning |
Mikazuki means Crescent and representing a vigorous god, such as the energetic
guardian of the seas, Sumiyoshi Myoujin Shrine. Mikazuki is used as the
god Sumiyoshi Myoujin in TAKASAGO, the god Kawaranokami in YUMIHACHIMAN,
and the mountain god in YOUROU. In certain instances it can substitute
for a mask like ayakashi and be used, for example, for the spirit of a
departed soul in MATSUMUSHI. Various legends account for the name, including
a Houshou school explanation that the 'three moons' stand for three shinto
guardian gods and the Kanze school having a Muromachi period mask with
a crescent-shaped gauge in the forehead. The mask taka is a varient on
mikazuki with sharp nose, triangular-shaped eyes, and furrowed brow. It
is used likewise for vigorous gods, or at times for wraiths. A Muromachi
period example designated Important Art Object bears an inscription with
the name of the 15Century carver Tokuwaka. |
Feature |
His dashing majesty mixed with wildness can be seen in the sharply angled
eyes with round metallic eyeballs and red corners, the flowing, crescent-shaped
eyebrows, and wind-blown moustache surrounding thin lips drawn back to
expose both upper and lower teeth. The lean face has protruding cheek bones,
angular nose and chin, a bony forehead and a earthy ochre color. Loose
strands of hair hang down the sides, but no hair is indicated along the
upper rim of the mask. |
Mask ID |
Mask Name |
Price |
|
KNOH45 |
Mikazuki
|
US$429 |
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Inoue Corporation
1530 Kamiaraga, Fukuchiyama, Kyoto, Japan
620-0065
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