- Here is an exceptionally rare Japanese Kitsune (Fox) Mask.
- A museum quality piece.
- The previous owner was from Palm Springs, CA.
- Thick, patina attesting to multiple times that this mask was culturally danced.
- Further attesting to its use is the articulating Jaw that would move during the performance.
- Signed by "MOTONAGA" or "GENCHOU".
- Gold painted eyes.
- All research strongly attests that this mask was made and used at sacred Shinto performances during the ancient Kagura shrine festivals.
- Given Japans rapidly shrinking population, which is making small towns and their shrines close, it seems all the more likely that this is an actual Shrine mask: http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-japan-population-snap-story.html
- The dancer wearing this mask would have interacted with the crowd and passing out rice cakes. This would certainly explain how a mask would get such a full, deep, rich patina... this thing has patina on every square inch of the reverse.
- The hole to the upper right of the signature is center of the tree rings or "core".
- It is immensely difficult to determine the mask's age since its made of all natural elements and using the same techniques that the Japanese have been refining for hundreds of years.
- In my opinion its most likely from the mid to late 1800s.
- Its rare to come across a Japanese Fox mask in general, its exceptionally rare to fine one that's so clearly evidenced as culturally important by having been used.
- Without question this piece is astounding from the perspective of its Patina. I have a Guatemalan mask that has 20-30 layers of paint on it which attests to it being used at a minimum of 30 years/times. That being said, this Japanese mask has thicker, deeper, more wide-spread patina... which is suggestive this mask was worn 50+ years/time...A cultural heritage item that demands to be preserved.
- A museum quality item.
- 22 cm Tall x 19 cm Wide x 17 cm tip of nose to back of mask.
- See my other masks for sale, including several Japanese masks. Check out my other items!
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- Antique Fox Mask
- Museum Quality Kitsune Mask
- Authentic Shinto Performance Mask
- Articulating Jaw Fox Mask
- MOTONAGA or GENCHOU Signed Mask
- Gold Painted Eyes Kitsune Mask
- Kagura Shrine Festival Mask
- Sacred Shinto Performance Artifact
- Traditional Japanese Dance Mask
- Vintage Kitsune Mask
- Cultural Heritage Collectible
- Antique Shinto Festival Prop
- Japanese Folk Art
- Rarely Found Shrine Mask
- Authentic Patina Fox Mask
- Museum-Worthy Japanese Art
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