Máscara Noh Hannya tallada a mano por Nomura Ran, firmada, con tomobako y menbukuro originales, era Shōwa

Signed by the craftsman Nomura Ran (野村篁, Nomura Takashi), this hand-carved Hannya gives form to the jealousy and anguish of a woman turned demon, one of Noh's most powerful roles. Gilded teeth, sweeping horns and hollowed cheeks carry its intensity, and it arrives complete with its signed tomobako and mask bag.

The Piece

Hannya is among the most recognized masks of the classical Noh repertoire, embodying jealousy, pain and supernatural intensity. This example by Nomura Ran demonstrates advanced hand-carving skill: meticulous chisel marks are clearly visible on the reverse, confirming 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 keep their fierce, penetrating gaze, the emotional presence that makes the mask type so compelling on stage and as a display artwork.

The reverse 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 practice and set the piece well apart from souvenir-grade reproductions.

The mask comes with its original wooden tomobako, inscribed on the exterior with the title and bearing the artist's brush signature and seal; the interior inscriptions record authorship and date. The wood grain, wear patterns and ink aging accord with Japanese storage-box traditions. As an ensemble of mask, signed tomobako and mask bag, it offers the complete presentation sought by serious collectors and practitioners of Noh, and by designers seeking a powerful cultural object for a refined interior.

Details

• Maker: Nomura Ran (野村篁 / Nomura Takashi)
• Model: Hannya Noh mask (traditional nōmen type 'Hannya')
• Era: Shōwa era (昭和), based on inscription and stylistic analysis
• Origin: Japan
• Material: Carved wood with painted and lacquered finish
• Color: Natural wood tones, gold teeth, painted accents
• Measurements: Standard Noh mask scale, approx. 20–23 cm in height
• Weight: Approx. 300–600g without box, typical for Noh masks of this scale
• Included: Signed wooden tomobako; mask bag (面袋)
• Markings: Carved artist's signature and stamped metal seal on the reverse; inscriptions confirm the artist name 野村篁
• Cord: Traditional cord holes present (cord not shown)

Condition

• Very good, with excellent preservation for age (VG): minor surface wear appropriate to a vintage Noh mask, with crisp detailing overall.
• Exterior: minor age-related wear and small spots of paint softening; horns, facial planes and gold-painted features well preserved.
• Interior: traditional chisel texture intact; the lacquered interior shows a fine patina.
• Metal seal and carved signature fully intact; edges show light rubbing consistent with storage and handling.
• Solid wood integrity, with no crack propagation or structural compromise observed.
• Tomobako shows natural aging, patina and handling marks; its ribbon is intact but aged, and the inscriptions are legible.

Nōmen Heritage

The tradition of Japanese Noh masks spans more than six centuries, shaped by hereditary workshops and individual artisans who devoted their lives to balancing expressive emotion and stylized ritual form. Carvers follow strict lineages of technique, carving each mask from a block of lightweight wood and finishing it with lacquers, pigments and gold accents that translate the intensity of Noh into tangible sculpture. Artists such as Nomura Ran sustain this living heritage, keeping the classical forms while giving each mask its own character and emotional nuance.

Authenticity & Care

Hand-carved, with visible chisel marks on the reverse, a carved signature and stamped metal seal, and a signed tomobako whose inscriptions confirm the artist name 野村篁 and record the date. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Returns follow our published policy.

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