A Noh mask representing the God of Thunder, the God of Heaven, protector of Buddhism, or a ghost known as Ootobide (also Otobide or just Tobide). Carved wood with mineral pigments and gold, it is 21.2 x 16.2 cm and in fine condition, dating from the 20th century.
As befits its august character, the Ootobide is unusually large for a Noh mask and painted in gold. The mask has protruding, metallic gold, circular eyeballs with crossed eyes which create an illusion that the eyes are rolling around. Crescent-shaped eyebrows are painted in black. A prominent, flattened nose, and big ears further emphasize the mask's imposing character. The mask's mouth gapes wide to show both the upper and lower teeth and the tip of a long, wide, red tongue. Apparently, ootobide was made for the play Raiden in which the ghost of an angry official returns as the God of Thunder and burns down the imperial palace.
