Vintage Japanese Porcelain Noh Mask Okina Nagasawa Ujiharu Franklin Gallery

This is a remarkable vintage Japanese porcelain Noh mask depicting "Okina" (an old man), revered as a sacred and auspicious figure in Noh theater. It was created under the supervision of the renowned master Noh mask maker Nagasawa Ujiharu, a certified preserver of intangible cultural properties. This special limited-edition porcelain mask was published by the Franklin Gallery in 1983 (Showa 58), in collaboration with the Japan Noh Mask Association.

The mask beautifully captures the benevolent and deeply wrinkled face of Okina, featuring real hair applied for the eyebrows and the prominent beard (attached to the articulated lower jaw). Though made of high-quality porcelain, the front features a matte, skin-like texture, while the back is masterfully finished to mimic carved wood and bears the artist's stamped signature. This comprehensive collector's set includes the mask, a wood-grain display board with a brass plaque, a white silk mask bag, a certificate of authenticity, informational pamphlets, the original signed wooden box (tomobako), and the outer cardboard box.

Size (Mask only):
Height: Approx. 17.0 cm / 6.69 in
Width: Approx. 14.5 cm / 5.71 in

Condition:
The mask is in excellent vintage condition, showing minimal signs of handling. The porcelain surface, as well as the attached hair features, are beautifully preserved. The wood-grain display board, wooden box, and paper accessories show minor natural aging, light scuffs, and slight discoloration typical of items from the 1980s. 

Please check the photos carefully for details.