Vintage Bitchū Kagura Mask | Omoikane-no-Mikoto | Tanabe Kazumasa | 27 cm

This authentic Bitchū Kagura Mask (備中神楽面) depicts Omoikane-no-Mikoto (思兼命), the Shinto deity of wisdom, insight and thoughtful decision-making. The mask was hand-carved from wood by Tanabe Kazumasa (田邊收全 / 田辺収全) of Tanabe Hakusansō (田邊白山荘), a traditional family workshop in Naruwachō, Takahashi, Okayama Prefecture. Closely connected to the regional Bitchū Kagura tradition, the workshop has long been dedicated to crafting Kagura masks and other forms of Japanese folk art.

Omoikane plays an important role in Japanese mythology. According to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, he devised the plan to lure the sun goddess Amaterasu out of her cave after the world had been plunged into darkness. For this reason, he is revered as the deity of wisdom, consultation, strategy and thoughtful decision-making.

The expressive face is finished with natural hair for the eyebrows, moustache and beard. Traditional chisel and carving marks remain visible on the hollowed reverse. The back also bears a rectangular workshop mark and a circular branded seal, both consistent with its attribution to Tanabe Hakusansō.

The mask comes with its original inscribed tomobako, a traditional paulownia wood storage box. The box is inscribed with 備中神楽面 (Bitchū Kagura Mask), 思兼命 (Omoikane-no-Mikoto) and 收全作 (made by Tanabe Kazumasa). The original documentation has also been preserved, including a brochure about Bitchū Kagura and its masks, an information sheet on Omoikane-no-Mikoto, and workshop documentation from Tanabe Hakusansō. The consistency between the inscriptions on the box, the marks on the reverse of the mask and the accompanying workshop documents makes this an exceptionally complete and well-documented example of regional Japanese folk art.

The mask most likely dates from the late Shōwa period, probably the 1970s or 1980s, although no exact production date is recorded. While it follows the form and construction of a wearable Kagura performance mask, it cannot be confirmed whether this particular example was ever used in actual performances.

Dimensions

Height: 27 cm
Weight: 330 g

Signature: Original inscribed tomobako, rectangular workshop mark and circular branded seal.

Want to learn more about the meaning of Japanese masks? Explore the Tamashii Guide.

Every vintage piece in our collection has its own story and bears the marks of its past. Please examine the photographs carefully for an honest impression of its condition and any signs of age or use.