General Description This submission concerns a set of three authentic Japanese Noh theatre masks, preserved as a coherent theatrical group rather than unrelated individual pieces. Each mask is housed in its own original kiri-wood storage box (桐箱) and brocade textile bag. Two boxes retain their original lids; one box is missing its lid, which is fully disclosed. The set is accompanied by handwritten Japanese documentation, including: A residential address in Wakabadai (若葉台), Inagi City (稲城市), Tokyo A Buddhist posthumous name (戒名, kaimyō) These materials strongly suggest personal ownership and inheritance, indicating that the masks were kept as stage-used implements associated with a private household, rather than as decorative or commercial objects. 1. Female Mask – Ko-hime (小姫) (Rare variant of Onna-men) This mask represents Ko-hime (小姫), a young noblewoman or princess in Noh theatre. Ko-hime is regarded as a rarer and more specialized variant within the broader Onna-men category, reserved for youthful female roles prior to emotional suffering or spiritual transformation. The face is small and delicately proportioned, with a gentle and youthful expression. The eyes are softly rounded with a restrained gaze, and the mouth is lightly closed, lacking the pronounced melancholic curvature typical of mature female masks such as Fukai or Zo-onna. The pale white ground is thinly applied, consistent with professional stage-use masks, and the interior shows visible hand-carved tool marks, confirming traditional craftsmanship. Preliminary estimated date: Mid–Late Shōwa period (ca. 1955–1980) 2. Male Mask – Heida-otoko (平太男) This mask depicts Heida-otoko, a male warrior character commonly used for dramatic human roles in Noh theatre. The open mouth, tense facial musculature, and clearly defined moustache and short beard convey a middle-aged warrior under emotional strain, a role often employed for human protagonists at moments of conflict, defeat, or imminent transformation. Surface wear and patina are consistent with repeated theatrical use rather than decorative display. Preliminary estimated date: Mid Shōwa period (ca. 1950–1970) 3. Supernatural Mask – Kiba-beshimi (牙獅子 / べし見) (Special variant of Beshimi) This mask represents Kiba-beshimi, a distinct and more powerful variant of the Beshimi type in Noh theatre. According to reference material published by the-noh.com, the original prototype of the Kiba-beshimi was historically transmitted within the Kongō school (金剛流) and regarded as a masterpiece traditionally attributed to the legendary mask carver Shakuzuru (灼鶴). The Kiba-beshimi is described as being larger in scale than standard Ō-beshimi masks, and has been compared to the leader of the long-nosed goblin (tengu) clan, emphasizing its dominant supernatural or divine character. The present example exhibits: A forceful, compressed facial expression Prominent exposed fangs Strong sculptural tension across the brow and mouth The interior is deeply carved with pronounced adze marks, suggesting older carving techniques. Natural patina and wear indicate prolonged theatrical use. While direct attribution to the Kongō lineage or to Shakuzuru cannot be asserted, this mask clearly reflects the formal and iconographic characteristics associated with the Kiba-beshimi tradition. Preliminary estimated date: Late Taishō to Early Shōwa period (ca. 1920–1940) Condition All three masks are structurally intact Surface wear and patina consistent with authentic stage use No modern repainting or restoration observed One kiri-wood storage box missing its lid (disclosed) Scholarly Significance Together, the masks form a classical Noh dramatic triad: Young female (Ko-hime – rare Onna-men variant) Human warrior (Heida-otoko) Supernatural being (Kiba-beshimi – special Beshimi variant) A conceptually unified set preserved with original storage materials and handwritten provenance documentation is uncommon in the current market and of significant scholarly interest. Purpose of Appraisal / Request to Specialists The owner respectfully requests: Professional appraisal by Mearto specialists Further expert assessment regarding the precise dating and period attribution of each mask Clarification of cultural and market value Documentation for collection and insurance purposes The set is not currently intended for sale.

1. Female Mask – Ko-hime (小姫) Height: approx. 21 cm Width: approx. 13.5 cm Thickness: approx. 0.5 cm Weight: approx. 117.5 g 2. Male Mask – Heida-otoko (平太男) 3. Supernatural Mask – Kiba-beshimi (牙獅子 / べし見)