The Kotobide noh mask represents the spirit of a fox or other earthly spirit. A gaping mouth, exposing a large red tongue and upper and lower teeth, pulls the cheeks upward, and highlights the circular, metallic eyeballs to create an overall expression of fearlessness. The mask's nose is flat, and the black-painted eyebrows arch high above the eyes.

Kotobide Noh Mask
wood, pigment, lacquer
Deme Mitsunaga
Fourth chief of the Deme family of Echizen, his seal is burned into the inner surface
Edo Period, 17th century

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