For sale as part of a collection clear-out. This is a small "kashiki" Noh mask. It represents a child who takes care of the monks in a Zen temple, and in Noh plays, it is used for the role of a beautiful young boy who is wise and skilled. Since he is not a young novice, he has a ginkgo-shaped hair bundle hanging down from his forehead. This kashiki mask is used in various performances, with the play "Shizen Koji" being a representative example. The general plot is as follows: A young preacher named Shizen Koji gathers people at Kumoi Temple in Kyoto and preaches for seven days. A boy then appears, carrying beautiful clothes. The boy asks Shizen Koji to offer the clothes as a memorial for his deceased parents. Touched by his earnest heart, Koji and the audience shed tears. However, the boy had sold himself to a merchant from the eastern provinces to obtain the clothes, and he is taken away by the merchant who has come after him. Knowing this, Shizen Koji chases after the merchant to save the boy, declaring that if the boy is not released, he will go with the merchant and the child. The merchant, unable to harm Shizen Koji who serves the Buddhist law, reluctantly agrees to release the boy. However, to vent his frustration, he decides to humiliate Shizen Koji by making him perform a dance, making it a condition for the boy's release. Despite knowing the merchant's scheme, Shizen Koji complies with their request and generously performs various dances. He then successfully frees the boy and returns to the capital with him. This is a wonderful Noh mask with an excellent expression of gentleness, the hair bundle on the forehead, and the loose hair on the sides. It was a favorite, but I am selling it due to circumstances. There are some minor scratches and stains due to aging. Please examine the photos carefully and purchase with the understanding that no claims or returns will be accepted.