A friend of mine was given this mask several weeks ago.
It reminded me of Noh masks (something I'd picked up in my varied semi-academic wanderings). I did a little web-research and I think it might be a tengu mask. I am probably quite wrong, but that's my first guess. Anyone have any idea what it actually is?
It had this on the inside:
I'd love to know what this says, and I'd be most grateful to anyone who can translate. I'd be happy to send a pic of Maddie or Ivy or both to the wonderful human who increases my knowledge on this. Though I'd never know if you're telling the truth or not. ;)
Probably says "Inspected by 12" or "One size fits most" or something mundane like that...
Maybe it's for an asian production of Cyrano.
Go ahead. Amaze me!
I could ask my Dad once he gets back from his holiday (in Japan!!! truly!) He tried taking the language but gave up after a year :o
All those strokes... hard... I studied Mandarin in school as a kid and failed every year!
Posted by: Fiona | November 09, 2009 at 08:44 AM
Sorry we can't help, but we wish you luck in your search. It's a cool looking mask.
Posted by: Scooby, Shaggy & Scout | November 09, 2009 at 02:14 PM
Hello,
I finally got around to asking Dad what your scroll says. Alas, it's in 'long hand'... he couldn't read a word!
Sorry about that :o
Posted by: fiona | December 14, 2009 at 09:02 PM
Hello, It is definitely a Tengu mask. There is a vast amount of info you can find on any search engine. Nice gift.
Posted by: David | March 24, 2011 at 10:30 AM