Noh mask of Wall hanging made in Japan

Noh mask made by craftsmanship of Japan
and is also traditional craft protected by Japanese government.
Flame size: about 12-1/4" x 15-1/4"
Noh Mask size: about 8" x 5-1/2"

As Noh is
an art form that utilizes masks, and there is a great variety of them.
There were originally about 60 basic types of Noh masks, but today,
there are well over 200 different kinds in use.

Covering the face with a mask is much like wearing makeup.
However, Noh performers feel that the Noh mask has a certain power inherent in it,
which makes it much more spiritual than a prop used to change ones appearance.
Taking into account the status of a certain Noh, the Noh performer will carefully choose a Noh mask,
known also as a Noh-men or Omote.
Exactly when the Noh mask came into being is not entirely clear however it is believed
that masks, and their names still used today, were developed from the mid to latter part
of the Muromachi period (1392-1573).