Japanese antique 1800s Shishi BIG wood mask with large cloth hand carving lacquer lion's head Festival sculptures H12.2×13.6in/H31×34.5cm

Japanese antique 1800s Shishi BIG wood mask with large cloth hand carving lacquer lion's head Festival sculptures H12.2×13.6in/H31×34.5cm.

This is a wooden lion head used in shrine festivals. The festival known as the 獅子舞SHISHI-MAI lion dance is one of the traditional performing arts found in East and Southeast Asia, where lions dance to the accompaniment of festival music. In Japan, lion dances spread rapidly from the Muromachi period (1333-1573) to the early Edo period (1603-1868), and lions danced through the streets to ward off evil spirits.
The person wearing this lion's head expresses his body with a cloth, and one or several people become lions.

The lions have a powerful and dignified atmosphere. The atmosphere of aging is also wonderful. The wood is coated with lacquer. The mouth can be opened and closed and the ears can be moved. Furthermore, a large cloth is attached so that a person can actually enter inside like a lion dance. There are some signs of restoration, but overall it is in good condition.

□ Size:
lion: H 12.2in × W 13.6in × D 11.4in （about H31cm×W34.5cm×D29cm ）
Cloth: 59.1in (150cm)
□ Weight : 56.9oz (1617g)
□ Material : Wood, Lacquer, cotton

condition...
In good condition, but has scratches and stains from age. The cloth is burnt, discolored and repaired. There is a repair mark on the side of the mouth. It is in good overall condition with no cracks that would break immediately. The cloth part was probably replaced later, probably in the Showa period, and is of a different era.

I list antiques that sometimes have chips, rubbings and cracks
as they are very old antiques so please check the images and understand the current
condition before buying.