Japanese Wooden Figure of Okino from Noh

Noh theater began in the 14th century, unique to Japan, a musical drama that uses dancing and chanting to express the story. The plays often express the religious and spiritual values of the Japanese people. An art form in itself, you see Noh and Kabuki actors portrayed in art works from the Edo period (1615-1868). The masks worn during Noh performance were finely crafted and are very valuable to this day. The carved wooden figure in the Davidson collection is an old man holding a fan, the mask he wears is that of okino, a wise old man.
Gift of Dan McLawhorn, Class of 1970, and Robert J. Hazelgrove, Jr.