Very good condition overall. One corner was chipped and later repaired, resulting in a faint hairline crack visible only upon close inspection. The mask remains structurally sound and displays well.
This antique Japanese kagura mask represents Ashinatsuchi-no-Mikoto (足名椎命), a deity from Japanese mythology and the father of Princess Kushinadahime. He appears in the well-known myth of Susanoo and the Yamata no Orochi, where he and his wife Tenatsuchi seek to save their daughter from the serpent.
Kagura masks are used in traditional Shinto performances combining ritual, music, and dance to honor the kami (deities). Through these performances, the wearer embodies mythological figures, bringing sacred stories into a living, performative form.
Hand-carved and hand-painted, this mask reflects traditional craftsmanship and expressive design. The preserved condition and clean surface make it a strong example for both display and collection.
A well-preserved antique piece with historical and cultural significance, suitable for collectors of kagura masks, Japanese mythology, and religious performance art.
