Wood, painted with gofun and pigments. a) Mask of the type fukai, literally: "Deep Fountain". On the lacquered back in gold lacquer the kao of the Daimy? family Kaga Maeda. Probably 18th century Height 20.5cm, width 13.3cm. Condition B. Colors somewhat rubbed. b) Mask in the style of a ko omote. 19th/20th c. Height 21.4cm, width 13.4cm. On the back in red lacquer and ink: 'ko omote'. Condition A/B. c) Mask in the style of a ko omote for Kagura. On the back an unread seal. Late 19th/early 20th c. Height 21.2 cm, width 13.3 cm. Condition B. Some chips in the color.
We would like to thank Stephen Marvin, author of "Heaven Has a Face; So Does Hell: The Art of the Noh Mask", for the friendly indications. Supplement: Protective padding (menate), silk damask, padded, lining with inscription: 'Douji', meaning 'Young Boy', not corresponding to the masks.
Provenance: -Collection of Oskar Graf 1873-1958 and C?cilie Graf-Pfaff 1862-1939. -Rhenish private collection by inheritance.