Masks have been worn in Japanese dance-dramas for over a thousand. Noh drama developed in the 14th century and adapted and refined early mask forms to accommodate its restrained, elegant style of acting. In the Edo period (1603-1868) master carvers standardized and formalized Noh masks. Named masks represented an idealized person, his character, age, rank and form. The actors in the Noh drama depend upon their masks to convey emotions, which are primarily tragic. Noh’s heavy overtones are lightened by brief, humorous plays called Kyogen, which are interspersed between Noh acts for comic relief and are performed by actors who often wear ludicrous masks. In this miniaturized mask, the bare wood has been treated by the artist with such consummate skill as to impart to the small mask as much life, energy and character as if it were of natural size. Condition of the mask is excellent, with wonderful patina. The shadowbox frame has a chip on the back of one side and a crack on the other. Dimensions: Mask is 3 ¾” long x 3 ½” wide. Frame is 8 ½” x 7 ¾” x 4 ¼” high.