Japanese Usobuki Mask Hyotoko - Miniature Plastic Model

Super small plastic image of famous folk character

Description

Brand new miniature (please see size information below) plastic Japanese Usobuki mask.  Weighing in at a mere 1 gram this little image of Usobuki is one of the smallest we have ever seen!  Consider adding this diminutive piece to your collection or perhaps use it as a unique and original Monopoly game piece ("Move aside top hat and race car, here comes Usobuki!").  Usobuki, also known as Hyotoko is the name for the male half* of a traditional Japanese Kyogen theatre pair (see below to learn more about Kyogen).  Usobuki is sometimes called the 'whistler' as he usually appears to be in the process of blowing with all his might through pursed lips.  His countenance in remarkable for its expression of forceful effort; and his puffy cheeks, bulging eyes and furrowed brow have been used to portray a wide range of characters within the Kyogen repertoire.  Usobuki masks have been used to depict everything from comical human characters to the spirits of plants, fish and insects; including mosquitoes, mushrooms and even pine resin!  Perhaps most memorable of all is Usobuki's appearance as a sinner on his way to hell in a play titled "A Sinner with References."

Size:
Height: 0.8 inches (2.0 centimeters)
Width (at widest point): 0.6 inches (1.5 centimeters)
Weight: 0.4 ounces (1 grams)

More about Japanese Noh and Kyogen theatre

Noh and Kyogen are classical Japanese stage arts often performed together. Noh presents serious dramas, while Kyogen offers light-hearted interludes. Traditionally, day-long performances alternated between the two. All-male casts perform both, accompanied by traditional musicians and a choir. Actors recite in old Japanese, often unintelligible to modern audiences. They wear masks ranging from neutral to expressive, conveying emotions through subtle movements. Noh and Kyogen mask-making is a respected art form, with masks collected by enthusiasts globally. These performances, rich in tradition, continue to captivate audiences with their unique blend of drama, music, and visual artistry.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Please contact us anytime if you have questions or concerns about purchases made on this site.

• By Email: dinnerbytheriver@gmail.com
• By Phone: +1 949-466-0864
• Ship From Address:
  Art Hills Yada 501
  4-1 Yada, Suruga Ward
  Shizuoka City, Shizuoka
  Japan 422-8002

RETURN POLICY

• Eligibility: To be eligible for a return, the item must be unused, in its original condition, and returned within 60 days from the date of purchase.
• Return Process: To initiate a return, please contact us via the email or phone number above and within the specified return period. You will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.
• Return Shipping: Customers are responsible for the shipping costs associated with returning the item, unless the return is due to a product defect or error on our part.