Japanese NOH mask wood carving KOOMOTE wall ornament Famous master signed boxed

The youthful and beautiful “小面 Ko-omote” mask.
This is called a “koomote,” representing a young, pure maiden.
This piece features the characteristic slightly plump cheeks and serene expression of the Ko-omote.
This piece was created by the famous 能 Noh mask maker Hoshi Tsuyama. This small face mask has plump cheeks and a soft expression that gives it a youthful look.
In the world of Noh masks, the technique known as utsushi, which involves faithfully reproducing masterpieces from the Muromachi and Momoyama periods, is highly valued, and Hoshi Tsuyama is one of the artists who has continued this traditional technique.
The name "津山 Tsuyama" is engraved on the back. It also comes with an original wooden box, dated 1994.
His works are highly popular for their realistic and artistic refinement, such as his "Okina" (old man), which embodies mysterious beauty and auspiciousness, and his youthful "Komote" (small mask).

"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 8.3in × W 5.5in × D 2.4in （about H21cm×W14cm×D6cm  ）
□ Weight : 7.2oz (205g)
□ Material : Wood, Lacquer, Japanese paints
□ with signed wooden box, silk bag 

It is said that there are about 60 types of Noh masks, and it is said that over the years, they have been derived from them and have expanded to about 250 types as slightly different surfaces.
The "face" of Noh mask is called "KO-omote", and it is mainly carved with cypress and colored with pigment (Ganryo).
It is carved to represent a momentary facial expression, an intermediate facial expression, or an infinite facial expression, and on one side, it is possible to show a wide variety of facial expressions from the light and shadow and the viewing angle, creating a Noh production. 
"Small" is the face of the youngest woman in the sense that it is cute, pretty, young and beautiful.
The smile on her plump face made her feel young.

condition...
It is in very good condition, but there are small scratches , Surface cracks and dirt due to aging. Upon closer inspection, there is a superficial crack on the right side near the forehead. It is not a serious damage that will cause immediate problems.