Offering this item as part of a collection clear-out. This is a Noh mask of a Shōjō. The Shōjō is a sake-loving yokai (spirit) said to live in the Yangtze River in China, and its red face is due to being drunk. The back of the mask is inscribed with "Akira Katō." This mask is used in the Noh play "Shōjō." The general plot is as follows: Kōfū, who lives in the Yangtze River in China, receives a divine message in a dream. He opens a liquor store as instructed, and a strange customer always comes to the store. That customer is the Shōjō. When Kōfū keeps his promise and waits by the river with sake, the spirit of the Shōjō appears from the water and gives him a never-ending sake jar. Then, the Shōjō appears to fall asleep from drunkenness. When Kōfū wakes up from his dream, a spring of endless sake remains. There is a chip on the upper right of the mask from the time of purchase. It shouldn't be very noticeable when hung on a wall, so I'm offering it at a slightly reduced price. I believe this is a good Noh mask, with the fleshy details of the lower lip and dimples on both cheeks well-expressed. There are scratches and stains due to aging. Please examine the photos carefully and purchase with the understanding that no claims or returns will be accepted.