Japanese Antique Carved Wooden Kyōgen Theatre Mask of Otafuku (Okame)

Description

Antique Japanese carved wood kyōgen theatre mask of the moon faced Otafuku. Her name was once Uzume and evolved into Okame which means “tortoise”, a symbol of longevity. Otafuku or Okame is considered the goddess of mirth, a cheerful woman who’s name means “abundant good fortune”. A bringer of victory and success, she is good-natured, good-humored, good-hearted, generous, kind, serene, and patient. She is smart, strong-willed and competent as well as powerful enough to easily frighten away evil spirits. She transcends stereotypes of physical beauty and is considered the epitome of the ideal wife. She plays the female counterpart of the traditional kyōgen pair. This mask is carved of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood and has an incised signature on the inside.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 8 1/2″ high x 7 1/4″ wide x 3″ deep