Noh mask of Chigusa-Ayakashi (Ayakashi in Chigusa style)

EDO PERIOD (18TH-19TH CENTURY)

Details

Noh mask of Chigusa-Ayakashi (Ayakashi in Chigusa style)
EDO PERIOD (18TH-19TH CENTURY)
Polychrome and gesso over wood, eyes gilt metal
8½in. (21.6cm.)
With one storage bag

Provenance

Yamanouchi Family, Tosa Province
Kawasaki Family, Kochi Prefecture

Lot Essay

Ayakashi is used for the roles of vengeful ghosts like warriors. The original Chigusa-Ayakashi mask has been handed down in the Kongo theater. The name of "Chigusa" is from the name of the carver, who also made drum shells. In the Kongo theater, legend has it that the face of Chigusa-Ayakashi was copied from that of Emperor Kanmu (737-806).

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