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Commentary
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A mask representing a dignified old woman. There are many forms of this generic type, some dating back to the 14th century. All, however, share the wrinkled and bony features of a woman grown old gracefully. The hair and thin, high eyebrows have streaks of white mixed into the black. The sunken eyes look down, being carved as a slightly curved slit. The serenity of the face reflects a divine nature that has only temporarily taken on the form of an old woman, such as the spirit of the Takasago tree bound in age-long love to her partner in Sumiyoshi (tsure role in Takasago); it is also used for the old wife-goddess (tsure role in Kuzu). A fine example, and possibly the prototype, is the uba mask owned by the Hōshōkai, bearing an inscription with the date 1504. Uba is used by all schools, generally for non-dancing roles, which are often secondary (tsure) roles. [MB]
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