Traditional Japanese Yoroboshi Mask
-----Description-----
The Yoroboshi mask (弱法師・よろぼし) is a Noh mask depicting a blind young boy beggar used exclusively in the Noh play “Yoroboshi.”
Role and story
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It represents Shuntoku-maru, a boy driven from his home by false accusations who later goes blind from grief and lives as a beggar near Tennōji / Shitennōji Temple in Osaka.
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The play centers on his inner sorrow, poetic sensitivity (such as enjoying plum blossoms through their scent), and eventual reunion and reconciliation with his repentant father.
Symbolic and Performative Aspects
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The mask is used only for the play “Yoroboshi,” unlike more general-purpose Noh masks.
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Although the eyes are “closed,” the narrow openings actually give the actor good visibility while emphasizing the character’s blindness.
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Emotionally, it embodies layered grief, spiritual insight, and faith in Kannon’s mercy, allowing the actor to evoke both madness-like anguish and serene realization through subtle tilts and lighting.
-----Material-----
Wood
Sizing: Please see the pictures for sizing.
Condition: Please note that all the masks listed are old and have been used by Japanese people. This gives the items various weathering and imperfections. You can see the quality of the items in the photos.
You will receive the item in the photo.
Shipping: ***PLEASE NOTE: When ordering, please include a contact telephone number for the courier shipping documents. We must ship with a telephone number.
All items shipped via Japan Post or Yamato Courier and include a tracking number.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine these additional costs before bidding or buying.
Returns: Returns are only accepted on items that Japan Post or Yamato Courier has damaged.
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