Noh theater, Japan

8 inches, wood

Deija is the golden serpent demon who appears in only one Noh play called "Dojoji." So it’s an unusual character. More importantly, it is also rare because of its unused condition. This beautifully carved and painted Deija has been stored in the original Royal Paulonia wood box for its entire life. When I opened the old container-- there it was in it’s original rice paper packing material! With the exception of a few tiny age cracks and the slightly faded gold color, it is as perfect as the day it was finished. There is no writing on the piece or in the box, so I can’t identify the maker or its exact age. Larger pics are available.