Antique Japanese Noh Mask: Chujo Samurai, Wood Carving with Silk Bag

This Noh mask is called a 中将chujo.
The name is said to have originated from the appearance of a man named 在原業平"Arisawa no Narihira," a representative poet of the Heian period. It is characterized by a thin face with inked eyebrows, reminiscent of the noblemen of the dynasties of that time, and a melancholy expression with furrowed brows. This mask is also unique in that the eyebrow roots are raised in the shape of a cord, giving it a somewhat peculiar shape.
A man named 在原業平Arisawa no Narihira (825-880) was a nobleman in the early to early Heian period. The 伊勢物語Ise Monogatari, which is said to have featured him as its main character, is one of the most famous love stories of the Heian period.
In it, he talks about his forbidden love with noble women, etc. His unrestrained portrayal without being caught up in things gives the image of a nobleman who was born in a noble family but was anti-establishment.
It is interesting to note that this expression also has an atmosphere of love and world-weariness.

"Noh mask" used on the stage of Noh, a traditional Japanese culture. Noh is a kind of masque played with Noh masks.The protagonist (called "shite") who plays something that is not a human being often appears wearing a Noh mask.A supporting role called Waki, which appears at the beginning of the story, begins the audience to appreciate Noh in a way that invites them to a different world with shite. The story of Noh is simple and symbolic. Rather than following the storyline, you will experience the emotions such as "sadness" that is the subject of the story, and the "elevation" of the dance that is performed toward the climax. The protagonist, Shite, is often a person from another world, such as a god, a demon, or a ghost. 
In Japan, the expression "face like Noh mask" refers to a person who is expressionless and does not know what he is thinking.Certainly, when you look at the Noh masks on display, it seems difficult to read the facial expressions of women's masks. However, it changes depending on the angle, such as the appearance of tears being shed with sorrow, or the ecstatic expression emerging at the part where the dance goes to the climax. The left and right sides of the Noh mask are "asymmetrical". The difference is also called "yin and yang". Please enjoy from various angles.

□ Size:  H 8.1in × W 5.2in × D 3.1in （about H20.5cm×W13.3cm×D8cm  ）
□ Weight : 5oz (141g)
□ Material : Wood, lacquer, Japanese colors
□ With silk bag

condition...
It is in very good condition, but there are small scratches , Surface cracks and dirt due to aging. Upon closer inspection, it appears the color around the nose has been retouched.