Description: OVERSIZED: 12.5 x 10.5 inches - i.e BIG for a maskHere is an example of fine art from Japan Masterfully carved, wooden mask in hardwood Date and maker are unknown.Assuming the cordage is original to the mask its likely this piece is 20-30 years old.There are very few artisans in the entire world capable of carving such an impressive pieceOkame is a happy satisfied woman...often depicted with a cat. Okame, also known as Uzume or Otafuku is the name for the female counterpart of a traditional Japanese Kyogen theater pair. She is considered to be the goddess of mirth and is frequently seen in Japanese art.Her full cheeks and merry eyes are an unforgettable sight and a delight to behold. Some Japanese scholars theorize that long ago, when the first Okame masks were created, they may have represented an idealized form of feminine beauty.Styles and tastes are subject to change, and the ancient Japanese might be surprised to learn that the name Okame is today sometimes used as a less-than-appreciated joking taunt by Japanese husbands. In contrast, a famous and contemporary Japanese Kyogen actor once commented that the countenance of Okame is what every man hopes his bride will look like on his wedding night…Why are the teeth black might you ask? Ohaguro is a custom of dyeing one's teeth black. It was most popular in Japan until the Meiji era. Dyeing was mainly done by married women, though occasionally men did it as well. It was also beneficial, as it prevented tooth decay, in a similar fashion to modern dental sealants. In Japan, it had existed since the prehistorical ages, and was seen among the civilians until the end of the Meiji period. Pitch black things such as glaze like lacquer were seen as beautiful. The main ingredient was a dark-brown solution of ferric acetate called kanemizu, made by dissolving iron filings in vinegar. The solution is combined with vegetable tannins from sources such as gallnut powder or tea powder, to turn it black and non-water soluble.See my other masks for sale, including several of my other Otafuku masks. Check out my other items!
Price: 1120 USD
Location: Freeport, Maine
End Time: 2024-09-29T05:26:11.000Z
Shipping Cost: 9.99 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Custom Bundle: No
Type: Mask
Brand: Unbranded
Non-Domestic Product: No
Modified Item: No
