Label Text:
The Deigan mask is used in the portrayal of the living spirit of an enlightened middle-aged woman lucklessly in love with a man. The golden eyes and upper teeth symbolize both emotional intensity and the supernatural, while the white skin indicates her nobility. The fine lines on her forehead mark the eyebrows, while the loose hair framing her face indicates her emotional state.

The mask bears the artist's carved signature and his personal stamp on the back. It is stored in the traditional way, in a wooden box and a silk bag. The inscription on the lid of the box says "June 1975" (Showa 50 Minazuki) and "Made by Nomura Ran" (Nomura Ran saku).

Noh masks appear to change their expressions when seen from different angles. The movement of the actor's head is therefore essential for acting out the character's feelings.

BJ, 2013

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=AC+2009.28

Research on objects in the collections, including provenance, is ongoing and may be incomplete. If you have additional information or would like to learn more about a particular object, please email fc-museums-web@fivecolleges.edu.