19th Century Carved, Painted & Lacquered Japanese Zō-onna Noh Mask

£1,175.00

Beautifully carved and hand-painted lacquered Cypress wood (Hinoki) Japanese Zō-onna Noh Theatre Mask.

Late 19th Century, Meiji period.

A finely carved and high quality Zō-onna Noh Mask.

Characterfully carved and painted, the mask comes alive with personality and presence.

Very good period condition with lovely aged colour and patina. No damage. Minor stains.

H: 21 cm x W: 14 cm.

In Noh theatre, the Zō-onna mask represents a slightly older woman of composed demeanour. Her features are neat, and her hairline is rendered with great precision. The edges of her mouth are slightly downturned, giving her a slightly sorrowful look, and her teeth are black. A mask of sublime and sacred aura, Zō-onna appears often in roles such as goddesses, bodhisattvas and celestial maidens.

Evolving under shogunate patronage from the 14th century, Noh theatre became an exclusive samurai pastime. In the Tokugawa period (1603 – 1868), commoners were forbidden to see it. Performed by male actors wearing masks, Noh dramas fall into five categories, plays about gods, women, insanity, revenge and demons.

Noh features lavish costumes and exquisitely fashioned wooden masks. The masks are designed and crafted with great subtlety. They can appear to dramatically transform simply from the alterations of light and shadow as the actors move their heads. The pace is hypnotically slow, but the movement delivers great dramatic power.

Noh masks are carved from a single piece of wood painted with natural pigments. The mask represents age, gender and social ranking of human or nonhuman beings like animals, demons or divine creatures. The Noh mask is used to emphasise and stylise the facial expressions which are accompanied with adequate body language and movement in order to stimulate the imagination of Noh play audiences.

Beautifully carved and hand-painted lacquered Cypress wood (Hinoki) Japanese Zō-onna Noh Theatre Mask.

Late 19th Century, Meiji period.

A finely carved and high quality Zō-onna Noh Mask.

Characterfully carved and painted, the mask comes alive with personality and presence.

Very good period condition with lovely aged colour and patina. No damage. Minor stains.

H: 21 cm x W: 14 cm.

In Noh theatre, the Zō-onna mask represents a slightly older woman of composed demeanour. Her features are neat, and her hairline is rendered with great precision. The edges of her mouth are slightly downturned, giving her a slightly sorrowful look, and her teeth are black. A mask of sublime and sacred aura, Zō-onna appears often in roles such as goddesses, bodhisattvas and celestial maidens.

Evolving under shogunate patronage from the 14th century, Noh theatre became an exclusive samurai pastime. In the Tokugawa period (1603 – 1868), commoners were forbidden to see it. Performed by male actors wearing masks, Noh dramas fall into five categories, plays about gods, women, insanity, revenge and demons.

Noh features lavish costumes and exquisitely fashioned wooden masks. The masks are designed and crafted with great subtlety. They can appear to dramatically transform simply from the alterations of light and shadow as the actors move their heads. The pace is hypnotically slow, but the movement delivers great dramatic power.

Noh masks are carved from a single piece of wood painted with natural pigments. The mask represents age, gender and social ranking of human or nonhuman beings like animals, demons or divine creatures. The Noh mask is used to emphasise and stylise the facial expressions which are accompanied with adequate body language and movement in order to stimulate the imagination of Noh play audiences.

SHIPPING:

Purchase price does not include shipping. All items are shipped fully insured from our London SE18 address. Or collection is possible most days by appointment.

We will package small to medium items for shipping, or box or wrap larger items sent by courier, at no charge. If a larger item requires to be sent in a crate that will be part of the shipping cost. 

Customer to pay for shipping / courier & insurance after purchase - cost depends on item and destination. 

The customer will also have to pay any import taxes & duties directly to the authority depending on the destination countries policy. 

Small to medium items that aren't fragile can be sent via Fedex to UK, EU and Rest of World. We would recommend sending any larger fragile or large items by courier vans to UK addresses. We have also used reliable and affordable couriers for such items to West & Central EU. Large and fragile items can also be sent crated via shipping companies.

We can offer advice and a close estimated quote in advance of purchase, and advise on the most cost effective but safe options..

We can also advise on import VAT charges to the EU (antiques and works of art over 100 years old are charged at a lower % tax to EU countries, usually around 5.5%). 

As of late 2025 the USA now charges a 10% tarif, despite antiques of over 100 years old having zero tarif-line duty. Tarifs will also vary depending on an items country of manufacture. There may also be a US customs processing & clearance fee. We will work with you to provide the correct commodity code and paperwork to minimise any such tarif/fees as much as possible.

Most items are antique and fragile and some wear should be expected. Condition will be accurately reported in item descriptions 

Items are honestly & accurately described with clear photos. All sales are final, with no returns (unless misrepresented in the listing - any issues to be confirmed within one week of delivery).

Please email with any questions.