Deigan Noh Mask Japan

deigan mask from komura Kiyomitsu

:  Komura kiyomotsu   (古村　清光)--there are other ways to read these characters, so the pronunciation might be different. I cannot find a biographical information on this artist, except that he is still alive

nicely executed  mask and beautiful inside patina
As Mikazuki deigan began a process of morphological and interpretive demonization,His bright eyes and teeth, his moderately tousled hair, his subtle tension—all signs originally intended to signify the spiritual excitement of a profound religious experience—brought to the minds of Edo-period noh actors the emotional turmoil that arises when rejection and betrayal begin to transform love into hate.Some deigan remain calm and spiritual; other interpretations of the character suggest emotional turmoil, a suggestion of human anguish.This vaguely troubled expression is conveyed by: deeper contours of the single brow, a downward curvature of the corner of the mouth, which is emphasized by the full lower lip.A shift began to take place in the interpretation of deigan, not only in the way different artists experience the character, but in his primary role, which has become the representation of onryo characters(cf heaven as a face stephen marvin )