Hand-Carved Hannya Noh Mask by Nomura Ran (Nomura Takashi) · Signed & Boxed · Classical Japanese Nōmen Art · With Mask Bag & Tomobako

A powerful, hand-carved Hannya Noh mask by the respected craftsman Nomura Ran (野村篁 / Nomura Takashi), offered complete with its original signed tomobako (wooden storage box) and mask bag. This expressive sculptural work captures the dramatic tension and emotional energy that define Japan’s classical Noh theatre, elevating it into a collectible object of cultural heritage. A refined piece for collectors of Japanese traditional arts, performing arts ephemera, and fine woodcarving.

DESCRIPTION

This exquisite Hannya mask represents one of the most iconic forms in the classical Noh repertoire—embodying jealousy, pain, and supernatural intensity. This example by Nomura Ran (野村篁) demonstrates advanced hand-carving skill, with meticulous chisel marks clearly visible on the reverse, confirming authentic sculptural practice rather than molded reproduction.

The front shows sharply defined horns, deeply carved cheek planes, and a wide mouth revealing gold-painted teeth—an essential feature of higher-quality Hannya renditions. The eyes retain their fierce, penetrating gaze, delivering the emotional presence that makes this mask type so compelling both on stage and as a display artwork.

The mask includes its original wooden tomobako, inscribed externally with the title and bearing the artist’s brush signature and seal. The box interior inscriptions confirm authorship and date, further strengthening traceability and provenance. The wood-grain, wear patterns, and ink aging align with proper Japanese storage-box traditions seen in authentic Noh mask workshops.

The rear of the mask displays traditional finish characteristics: layered tonality in the lacquered wood, heat-darkened chisel work, and a carved signature alongside a stamped metal seal. These features align with genuine craft lineage practices and strongly differentiate this piece from low-tier or souvenir-grade reproductions.

As an ensemble—mask, signed tomobako, and mask bag—this piece offers the complete presentation required by serious collectors and practitioners of Noh, as well as interior designers seeking powerful cultural artifacts for refined spaces.

SPECIFICATIONS / ITEM DETAILS

• Model: Hannya Noh Mask

• Reference: Traditional Nōmen type “Hannya”

• Material: Carved wood with painted and lacquered finish

• Hardware: N/A (traditional mask construction; carved signature and seal)

• Color: Natural wood tones, gold teeth, painted accents

• Dimensions: Not provided (standard Noh mask scale; estimate ~20–23 cm height)

• Handle/Strap: Traditional cord holes present (cord not shown)

• Shoulder Drop: N/A

• Weight: Not provided (typical Noh masks approx. 300–600g without box)

• Accessories Included:

  • Signed wooden tomobako

  • Mask bag (面袋)

• Production Grade: VG (Vintage Grade — excellent preservation for age)

• Production Era: Shōwa era (昭和), based on inscription and stylistic analysis

• Code/SN Style: Artist’s carved signature and metal seal on reverse

• Notes: Visible chisel-tool marks and lacquer wear consistent with handcrafted production; inscriptions confirm artist name 野村篁.

HIGHLIGHTS & FEATURES

• Authentic hand-carved Hannya Noh mask

• Artist-signed by Nomura Ran (野村篁) with carved signature + seal

• Includes original signed wooden tomobako

• Strong expressiveness and classical sculptural detailing

• High-quality chisel work on reverse confirming workshop authenticity

• Complete presentation set ideal for collectors and interior display

• Excellent preservation of horns, facial planes, and gold-painted features

CONDITION REPORT

• Exterior: Very good; minor age-related wear, small spots of paint softening; overall crisp detailing.

• Interior: Traditional chisel texture intact; lacquered interior shows beautiful patina.

• Hardware: Metal seal and carved signature fully intact.

• Edges / Corners: Light rubbing consistent with storage and handling.

• Structure: Solid wood integrity; no crack propagation or structural compromise observed.

• Movement (if watch): N/A

• Accessories: Tomobako shows natural aging, patina, and handling marks; ribbon intact but aged; inscriptions legible.

Condition-adjusted notes: Minor surface wear appropriate for vintage Noh masks, enhancing authenticity and character.

WHY COLLECTORS WANT THIS PIECE

Collectors seek Hannya masks due to their emotional depth and iconic status within Noh theatre. This example stands out for its:

• Named artisan: Works signed by trained mask carvers like Nomura Ran are significantly more collectible.

• Cultural importance: Hannya is among the most recognized masks in Japanese performing arts.

• Full provenance suite: Mask, mask bag, and signed tomobako form the complete collectible package.

• Authenticity cues: Chisel marks, carved signature, seal, and period inscriptions confirm legitimate workshop origin.

• Decorative power: Strong aesthetic impact for display in curated interiors.

This is a classic “collector’s case” item—authentic, signed, and complete.

HERITAGE

The tradition of Japanese Noh masks spans more than six centuries, shaped by hereditary workshops and individual artisans who dedicated their lives to mastering the subtle balance between expressive emotion and stylized ritual form. Mask carvers follow strict lineages of technique, carving each piece from blocks of lightweight wood and finishing them with lacquers, pigments, and gold accents that translate the intensity of Noh theatre into tangible sculpture. Artists such as Nomura Ran contribute to this living heritage by maintaining classical forms while imbuing each mask with unique character and emotional nuance.

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