Q: I got it from my father in law who spent time in Japan after WW2. It is about 10″ from the top down to the nose and 10 wide (ear to ear). It is a lightweight wood, painted. Some of the paint has peeled off but a lot is still there.  Tony, 533 A: The Japanese people were desperate for goods and services during the first few years of occupation and willingly traded family heirlooms to make ends meet.

Q: This Noh mask is made up of layers– the back is black lacquer, then white gesso, and finally a brown fibrous material. 21cm tall. Any idea of it’s age, what character it represents?  Rho, 530 A: The Noh theater tradition goes way back.

Q:  I was wondering what you thought of the attached.  It is allegedly a Borneo Dayak mask from the 1940s, acquired by a WWII veteran.  It looks authentic to me, but I was wondering if you had an opinion. Aaron, 528 A:  It looks authentic (old and used) to me as well. But a seller saying it was brought back by a WWII vet is not provenance that buyers will believe. You need documents such as a letter from the South Pacific, an old snap shot, names and addresses of owner(s).