Late 16th century

Noh Mask

Japanese, 1551 - 1616

Noh masks, an integral part of No drama, are not representative but evocative: their indeterminate features allow an actor to express varying emotions. The masks are small and expose the lower portion of the actor's face. Masks for young women's roles, such as this one, reflect the ancient ideals of female beauty held by the Japanese court: an oval face, high forehead, and false eyebrows painted just below the hairline.