Snow-Moon-Flower “Ko-Omote” Mask Set · Edo-Period Lineage by Omiya Sadamori · 3 Small Noh Masks with Signed Tomobako & Documents

A refined trio of Edo-period lineage small Noh masks, attributed to the workshop tradition of Omiya Sadamori and housed in a beautifully inscribed Setsugetsuan  tomobako. Each mask expresses subtle emotional tones—youthful grace, serene beauty, and gentle maturity—captured through fine carving and classical lacquer work. Together, they form a poetic ensemble that mirrors Japan’s “Snow, Moon, Flower” aesthetic tradition, offering collectors a rare opportunity to own a complete, historically anchored set of masks.

DESCRIPTION

This remarkable set presents three small-format Noh masks, each carved with distinct emotional nuance and accompanied by a richly detailed tomobako featuring brush signatures, inscriptions, and period-style commentary. The masks reflect the ko-omote lineage, representing idealized young female characters, each with differences in expression, cheek contour, and eye shaping.

The carving quality is consistent with Edo-influenced workshop practice: soft planes along the cheeks, delicately recessed eyes, subtly defined lips with red lacquer, and carefully shaved interior chisel textures. The masks show age-appropriate patina, with the wooden surfaces displaying natural mellowing of lacquer and oxidation that typically develops over decades.

The reverse sides reveal crisp and intentional tool marks. A carved signature associated with (Omiya Sadamori) appears inside one mask, aligning with the maker attribution provided in the accompanying document. This lineage is historically recorded as an early Edo-period school of mask-making, known for preserving classical forms and transmitting stylistic consistency through generations.

The tomobako is exceptionally important: it contains multiple lines of inscription referencing (Setsugetsuan), the masks’ poetic designation, and a note referencing 昭和十七年 (1942), likely the date of appraisal, curation, or preservation by descendants or collectors. The interior is partitioned into three compartments, each containing a patterned cloth bag, reflecting a museum-level storage approach.

As a set, these masks bridge Edo traditions, early 20th-century preservation practices, and the modern collector’s need for cohesive provenance. This makes the ensemble far more valuable than single masks in isolation.

SPECIFICATIONS / ITEM DETAILS

• Model: Trio of small-format Noh masks 

• Reference: Snow–Moon–Flower grouping (poetic aesthetic set)

• Material: Carved wood with pigment and lacquer layers

• Hardware: Traditional side cord pass-through; cords attached where shown

• Color: Natural wood tone with classical pale facial lacquer; red lacquer lips; dark hairlines

• Dimensions (per seller):

  • Mask A: 約21 × 13.5 cm · 高さ 約8 cm

  • Mask B: 約21 × 14 cm · 高さ 約7 cm

  • Mask C: 約20.5 × 13.5 cm · 高さ 約8 cm

• Handle/Strap: Brown braided cords attached

• Shoulder Drop: N/A

• Weight: Not provided (typical small Noh masks ~300–450g each)

• Accessories Included:

  • Signed tomobako with internal divisions

  • Three textile mask bags (varied patterns)

  • Full explanatory document (biography, appraisal notes, Edo lineage description)

• Production Grade: VG+ (Very Good+, excellent preservation for age; mild discoloration only)

• Production Era: Edo lineage; box document references 昭和17年 (1942) appraisal

• Code/SN Style: Carved signature  visible on reverse

• Notes: Masks show stable aging; tomobako inscriptions indicate provenance and workshop lineage.

HIGHLIGHTS & FEATURES

• Rare three-mask set—poetically themed and cohesive

• Edo-period lineage: Omiya Sadamori attribution

• Beautiful Setsugetsuan tomobako with long inscriptions

• Period-style carving with expressive realism

• Interior chisel marks consistent with traditional hand production

• Includes three textile pouches for proper storage

• Complete documentation with historical commentary

• Uncommon collector-grade grouping with strong display presence

CONDITION REPORT

• Exterior: Minimal abrasions; lacquer softening appropriate for age; gentle discoloration.

• Interior: Clear chisel-texture; carved signature visible; natural wood oxidation.

• Hardware: Braided cords intact; secure.

• Edges / Corners: Light rubbing only; stable.

• Structure: No visible cracks or structural instability; wood appears dry-stable.

• Accessories: Tomobako shows mild rubbing and ribbon wear; inscriptions preserved.

Condition-adjusted notes: Uniform and stable aging across all three masks; well-preserved considering probable late Edo–early Shōwa preservation timeline.

WHY COLLECTORS WANT THIS PIECE

Collectors seek this set because:

• Three-mask ensembles are extremely rare—especially cohesive ones stored in original divided tomobako.

• The Omiya school is a respected Edo-period lineage of mask-making, adding depth and credibility.

• The masks exhibit balanced classical beauty, aligned with the aesthetic refinement expected of early-period ko-omote style.

• The detailed box inscriptions, appraisal-style note from 1942, and the presence of original textile bags create a high-value provenance chain.

• This ensemble demonstrates both historical continuity and cultural refinement, ideal for advanced collectors.

• Trio sets command significantly higher long-term appreciation than single comparable masks.

HERITAGE

The Omiya lineage of Noh mask carvers played an influential role in transmitting Edo-era carving aesthetics into later periods. Their works emphasize gentle transitions in facial planes, subtle emotional restraint, and extremely refined finishing—a hallmark of classical Japanese Noh mask craft. The use of poetic identifiers such as 雪月庵 (Snow–Moon–Flower) reflects a broader cultural union of visual arts, literature, and performance, echoing centuries-old traditions of elegant minimalism and spiritual harmony within Japanese aesthetics.

AUTHENTICITY & GUARANTEE

Evaluated using the Japonista Authentication Framework™:

• Wood grain and carving consistency review

• Lacquer layer and surface-aging pattern analysis

• Reverse chisel-mark verification

• Signature cross-check for 大宮貞盛

• Tomobako brush inscription verification

• Document lineage evaluation (昭和17年 appraisal note)

• Structural inspection for cracks or non-period repairs

Guaranteed 100% Authentic. Covered by the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™.

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