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Commentary
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A mask representing the God of Thunder, the God of Heaven, protector of Buddhism, or a ghost. Fitting its august character, the ōtobide is unusually large for a noh mask and painted in gold. The mask has protruding, round, metallic eyeballs that are crossed to create an illusion that the eyes are rolling around. The crescent-shaped eyebrows painted in black lend a sense of surprise. A prominent, flattened nose, and big ears further emphasize the mask's imposing character. The mouth gaps open wide to show both the upper and lower teeth and the tip of a long, wide, red tongue. Apparently, ōtobide was made for the play Raiden in which the ghost of an angry official returns as the God of Thunder and burns down the imperial palace. It is also worn by strong gods in congratulatory plays like Kamo and Arashiyama, and by the fox god in Kokaji. The Kongō family in Kyoto owns a fine ōtobide carved by Deme Zekan Yoshimitsu (1527-1616). [MB]
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