Offered for sale as part of a collection clear-out. This is a Noh mask of Tamamo. It represents the nine-tailed fox (Tamamo-no-Mae) who transformed into a human. Although she appears human, her golden eyes and terrifying expression reveal that she is not of this world. Noh masks with gold pigment (kin-dei) applied to the eyes are said to represent vengeful spirits and youkai (supernatural beings). This mask is used in the play "Sessho-seki" (The Killing Stone). The story tells of Tamamo-no-Mae, whose true identity was discovered by the onmyoji (diviner) Abe no Yasuchika. She flees to Nasu, in present-day Tochigi Prefecture, where she is defeated and transformed into a stone by two samurai, Miura no Suke and Kazusa no Suke. In "Sessho-seki," different masks are worn for the mae-shite (protagonist in the first act) and ato-shite (protagonist in the second act). The mask worn by the ato-shite, called Tobide or Yakan, is well-known, while this mask used by the mae-shite is less common. I believe this is a well-made Noh mask, with details such as the bone-like shape on the forehead. Size: Approximately 22cm (height) x 16cm (width) There are some areas where the gofun (white pigment) and paint have peeled off. There are also scratches and stains due to aging. Please examine the photos carefully and understand that this item is non-refundable and non-returnable before purchasing.