Japanese Noh Theatre Puppet Head

Rare antique carved wooden head of a distinguished gentleman puppet, dating from the late 19th or early 20th Century. This originates from the Japanese 'Noh' theatre tradition, which with 'Kyogen' is among the oldest continuous theatre traditions in the world. Noh was a spiritual drama, combining symbolism from Buddhism and Shintoism and focusing on tales with mythic significance, and was typically performed for the elite aristocratic class. The gent has a high collar, glass eyes and amazing quality carving. The head has a hole in the mouth which passes through the entire piece to the rear, suggesting that possibly a false cigarette would have been inserted, and smoke passed through the hole to simulate smoking. In excellent condition, with only minor signs of wear and use. The head is mounted on a stick, but it is unclear if this is original to the piece, or if it has been applied later to make it into a walking stick. Unfortunately it is not signed as far as we can tell.

Measures: 85cm high x 10cm wide x 16cm deep

DELIVERY OF THIS ITEM: Insured postal delivery of this item to a mainland UK address will be £30.

DELIVERY OF MORE THAN ONE ITEM: If you wish to purchase more than one item for delivery, please contact us for a quote at enquiries@home-alchemy.com or call us on 07549 507550 as we will be able to provide a combined price.

DELIVERY OUTSIDE OF MAINLAND UK: If you require delivery outside of mainland UK, please contact us for a quote at enquiries@home-alchemy.com or call us on 07549 507550.

COLLECTION OF THIS ITEM: If you would like to collect this item from us in Wiltshire, just select the Click and Collect option in the shopping cart.