Japanese Noh Mask, Deity named “OOBESHIMI”
Japanese Noh Mask, Deity named “OOBESHIMI”
Oobeshiomi, also called simply Beshimi (or Obeshimi), is a Noh mask representing a Deity or Tengu who protects others from evil spirits and demons. Carved wood covered with Gofun and gold, this dates from the 20th century. It is 22.3 x 17 cm and in overall fine condition bearing the carvers seal in the back. It appears to have been in the midst of re-working the colored covering, or had never received its final coat of color, which makes it in fact, quite unique. Oobeshimi's tense expression creates deep wrinkles on the forehead and forces both ends of the eyebrows to curl upward. Flattened nostrils enlarge the end of the nose. The mask has a rounded jaw and depth of modelling allows for ears. The eyebrows, beard, and moustache of the mask are painted in black. Vermillion outlines highlight the creases in the brown skin