Kokushiki-jō [黒式尉] Noh Mask

In Noh tradition, Kokushiki-jō is the earthy counterpart to the white Okina, embodying the sun-darkened farmer elevated to sacred status. This Japanese Noh mask old man stands at the meeting point of ritual and theatre: its role in Shiki Sanban is to “sow” the year’s first seeds through vigorous stamping, praying for peace of the realm and abundant crops. As a modern Okina Noh mask, this piece allows a collector to engage directly with one of the oldest ritual lineages in Japanese performing arts, rather than the more familiar demons and warriors.

Carved in wood and weighing only about 89 g, the mask is compact yet clearly wearable in Noh-style terms, with dimensions of roughly 16.5 × 13.5 × 6 cm (around 20 cm including the beard). Its good condition, natural patina, and long beard invite close viewing, making it equally suitable as a study piece for Sanbaso mask iconography or as a focused display of Shiki Sanban tradition in a collection.

• Type: Noh-style mask, Okina-group / Sanbasō role
• Character: 黒式尉（こくしきじょう / Kokushiki-jō） – ritual black old man
• Category: Okina-type old man mask, associated with Shiki Sanban / Sanbasō
• Material: Wood
• Dimensions (approx.): 16.5 × 13.5 × 6 cm; c. 20 cm including beard
• Weight: 89 g
• Country of origin: Japan (Noh-style carving; not explicitly stated in listing)
• Notable details: Very light wooden construction; pronounced old-man features with attached beard whose length is included in the overall measurement

Presented honestly as a modern Noh-style Kokushiki-jō, this piece offers a concentrated glimpse into the Okina ritual without relying on unverified claims of age or provenance. It is an ideal choice for collectors who value the ceremonial and agricultural roots of Japanese theatre as much as its more dramatic characters. Securely packaged and shipment is always insured for safe delivery.