● Sekio-i An old plant spirit or the face of an aged god. It is said that the mask maker, Hyoe Sekio, created this mask, which is where the name comes from. The elegant and dignified expression, combined with the eyes that seem to look into one's own heart and the distinctive shape of the mouth, creates the unique and profound expression of a Noh mask. ● Doetsu Yamamoto Mr. Doetsu Yamamoto, a Noh mask maker from Ueno Tokui-cho, Iga City, Mie Prefecture. He began making Noh masks at the age of 56, driven by a desire to contribute to the restoration of old masks. At 58, he was taught by a professional Noh mask maker, and at 60, he received his carving name from his master and became independent. Noh mask makers create "copies" that faithfully reproduce the "original masks" made in the Muromachi period. They carve hinoki wood with chisels and carving knives, lacquer the back of the mask, and repeatedly apply "gofun" (powdered seashells) and pigments to the front, coloring it. Noh masks, which express gods, demons, and spirits, are not mere sculptures; their true value is revealed when actors perform with them. Mr. Yamamoto says, "The most difficult thing is to make masks that are recognized by Noh actors and used on stage." Slight imperfections during production can completely change the expression of the mask. Mr. Yamamoto, who repeats the carving process from scratch until he is satisfied, takes at least 100 days to make one mask. "I've made many masks so far, and they are all like my own children. When I see them, I remember the hardships of the time. It's rare for them to turn out exactly as I envisioned," he says. His works include the "Hakushikijo" used in the Ise Jingu Shikinen Sengu celebration Noh, the "Koomote" and "Zojo" used in the Iga Ueno Takigi Noh, and award-winning works from various new Noh mask exhibitions. Size: 21cm (height) x 14.5cm (width) Due to amateur photography, the colors may appear different depending on the lighting. Although it has been stored in a dark place without being used after purchase, there is some damage to the nose. Please check the 8th and 9th photos. Also, the area where the string passes through is slightly worn, but this is believed to be evidence of its authenticity. As this is an amateur sale, detailed information is unknown. Please examine the photos provided before purchasing and make sure you are satisfied. As this is an item that has aged over time, please refrain from purchasing if you are sensitive to such things. Thank you for your understanding.