KUMASAKA CHÔHAN MASK Based on a Chôrei Beshimi-style Noh theatre mask, made of brown lacquered wood, with copper-rimmed eyes; the reverse is lacquered black and bears the two kanji characters for the name ‘Kumasaka’ and the Genjimon from Chapter 13, ‘Akashi’, likely the sculptor’s mark. (Minor wear). Japan, Meiji period, 19th century. A LACQUERED WOOD CHÔREI BESHIMI TYPE MASK OF KUMASAKA, JAPAN, MEIJI PERIOD, 19TH CENTURY. HEIGHT 21.3 CM (8 3/8 IN.) – WIDTH 16 CM (6 5/16 IN.) Note ‘Kumasaka’ is the title of a very popular Noh play, centred on its main character, the tormented ghost of Kumasaka Chôhan, a bandit who was defeated by the future hero Minamoto no Yoshitsune whilst he was still young. As this mask is somewhat thick, it was probably not carved with the intention of being worn. The geometric motifs associated with the 54 chapters of the *Genji Monogatari* are often found outside the context of the novel, appreciated as standalone designs, and notably used as personal trademarks by craftspeople. Provenance: Bernard Rousseau Collection.