Description A NOH MASK OF YAMANBAJapan, Edo period (1615-1868). Carved and lacquered to depict Yamanba, with golden eyes and a prominent, flattened nose, the mouth opened in a grotesque smile, the locks of hair finely painted. Note the presence of ears, the sunken sockets and the teeth and gums. The reverse with an impressed seal signature.This mask was used in the noh play Yamanba. Yamanba is a female demon who lives alone deep in the mountain - she looks for flowers in spring, longs for the moon in autumn, and invites snow in winter, she walks around the mountains, but cannot escape her deep delusions. The play is a profound look at the suffering of Yamanba living in the midst of nature.Condition: Good condition with expected wear and few chips to the lacquer here and there.Provenance: European collection.Dimensions: Height 22.5 cmLiterature comparison: Compare a closely related mask of Yamanba, attributed to Shakuzuru, at the Tokyo National Museum.