Máscara Noh de Ikaku Sen'nin, el inmortal de un cuerno, del período Meiji, madera lacada tallada a mano, bolsa de brocado

A hand-carved Meiji-period Noh mask of Ikaku Sen'nin, the enigmatic One-Horn Immortal, its single horn tilted upward above asymmetrical eyes and clenched teeth. Aged ochre lacquer, a patinated chisel-marked reverse and its brocade mask bag make it a striking survivor of classical Japanese theater.

The Piece

This Noh mask represents Ikaku Sen'nin (一角仙人), the One-Horn Immortal of classical Japanese performance, with the distinctive single horn and the tense, contorted expression associated with this supernatural character. The Meiji era (1868–1912) saw a revival of interest in the classical performing arts, and masks of the period often show a transitional aesthetic, rooted in Edo tradition yet moving toward more dramatic anatomical realism.

The warm ochre-toned lacquer has softened with time, with expressive carving around the eyes and mouth and red and pink detailing. The slight asymmetry of the eyes, the open mouth revealing clenched teeth and the upward tilt of the horn create an emotional tension characteristic of higher-caliber workshop production. Chisel marks on the reverse reveal hand-tool work rather than any molded reproduction, and the interior patination shows the consistent oxidation and color shifting typical of Meiji-era wooden masks.

The mask is accompanied by a textile mask bag (面袋) woven in a traditional brocade style. Its presence adds to the piece's completeness and historical coherence, as most functional Noh masks were stored in textile pouches before the tomobako box came into wide use. Ikaku Sen'nin is an uncommon Noh character, which makes surviving masks of the role especially interesting to collectors of Japanese theater, early woodcraft and Meiji arts.

Details

• Model: Ikaku Sen'nin Noh mask (nōmen representing the One-Horn Immortal)
• Era: Meiji period (明治期, 1868–1912)
• Origin: Japan
• Material: Carved wood with lacquered and pigmented finish
• Color: Aged ochre lacquer, darkened accents, red/pink detailing around eyes and mouth
• Measurements: Approx. H 26 cm (including horn) × W 15.1 cm
• Fittings: Traditional side cords attached through the cord pass-throughs
• Included: Brocade mask bag (面袋)
• Signature: None indicated; period masks are typically unsigned

Condition

• Good, age-consistent Meiji artifact with mild wear; stable aging rather than deterioration.
• Exterior: mild abrasion, age-related lacquer wear and natural toning.
• Interior: rich patina, with chisel marks and tool signatures intact.
• Edges: minor rubbing and softening along the facial and horn edges.
• Structure: solid carved wood; no apparent cracks or repairs in the photographs.
• Cord attachments present and functional.
• The mask bag shows fraying and discoloration consistent with age.

Noh Theater Heritage

Noh, one of Japan's oldest and most refined performing arts, relies on masterfully carved masks that embody archetypal emotions, spirits and legendary figures. Workshops through the Edo and Meiji periods upheld centuries-old carving traditions, making masks that were both functional stage tools and works of sacred sculpture. Characters such as Ikaku Sen'nin, drawn from folklore and supernatural mythology, show the richness of Noh's narrative world, and each mask carries cultural lineage as well as visual identity.

Authenticity & Care

Hand-tool chisel marks on the reverse, period-appropriate interior oxidation and lacquer aging are consistent with Meiji-era workshop production; the mask is unsigned, as period masks typically are. 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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