1988.967.3 a-c; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum

Noh Mask

Artifact ID1988.967.3 a-c

Date before 1974

Medium wood, paint, ribbon, fabric, thread

DimensionsOverall (mask) H 8 1/2 in x W 5 1/4 in x D 2 in (21.6 cm x 13.3 cm x 5.1 cm )
Overall (cloth cover) H 9 1/2 in x W 7 1/2 in x D 2 1/2 in (24.1 cm x 19.1 cm x 6.4 cm )
Overall (box) H 10 1/2 in x W 8 in x D 4 1/4 in (26.7 cm x 20.3 cm x 10.8 cm )

Physical Description(a) A wooden hand-painted Japanese Noh mask is attached to two navy blue pieces of cord.

(b) A red pouch features symmetrical white and brown designs throughout.

(c) A wooden presentation box features vertical black Japanese characters on the center of the lid.
Historical NoteRyokichi Minobe, Governor of Tokyo, Japan, presented this Noh mask to President Ford upon his visit to Tokyo November 19, 1974. Ford was the first sitting U.S. President to visit Japan. In Noh, a form of classical Japanese theater, the main actor wears a mask which signifies character trains and stylizes facial expressions.Additional Details

Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Ford and First Lady Betty Ford during the Ford Administration. It was personally presented to them and was maintained at the Executive Office of the President until its transfer to the National Archives in September 1981 for deposit with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.

National Archives Catalog CollectionGerald R. Ford Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 620931)

National Archives Catalog SeriesHead of State Gifts Given to President Gerald R. Ford (74639696)

Use Restriction Status Unrestricted

Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.

Collections

Head of State Gifts