Japanese Noh Mask Box

Early 20th Century Japanese Keyaki Wood(Japanese Elm) Writing Box with Tray. The top of the box is finished with a version of a female Noh Drama mask (poss. Ko ‘omote) with its tie cords carved in relief falling loosely over the box. The mask covers a small fitted, hand-hammered silver dish used for mixing ink. 9 × 6.75 × 5.75h inches. Influenced by earlier Chinese performances, Noh( 能 ) developed in Japan as an aristocratic art form during the Muromachi Period(1336 to 1573). This highly refined dance/drama features actors dressed in elaborate silk costumes, each with a specific mask(one of over 450) used to illustrate their character with various stylized emotions within traditional themes of unrequited love, war and the supernatural. Further expression involves poetic chanting and singing which is accompanied by live music. It is the oldest form of theater art still performed in Japan to this day and designated as an Important Cultural Property.