Antique, Danced, w/Patina Japanese Kitsune 'Fox' Mask w/Articulating Jaw, Signed

Here is an exceptionally rare Japanese Kitsune (Fox) Mask._x000D_ A museum quality piece._x000D_ The previous owner was from Palm Springs, CA._x000D_ Thick, patina attesting to multiple times that this mask was culturally danced._x000D_ Further attesting to its use is the articulating Jaw that would move during the performance._x000D_ Signed by "MOTONAGA" or "GENCHOU"._x000D_ Gold painted eyes._x000D_ All research strongly attests that this mask was made and used at sacred Shinto performances during the ancient Kagura shrine festivals._x000D_ Given Japan's rapidly shrinking population, which is making small towns and their shrines close, it seems all the more likely that this is an actual Shrine mask._x000D_ The dancer wearing this mask would have interacted with the crowd and passing out rice cakes. This would certainly explain how a mask would get such a full, deep, rich patina... this thing has patina on every square inch of the reverse. _x000D_ The hole to the upper right of the signature is center of the tree rings or "core"._x000D_ It is immensely difficult to determine the mask's age since its made of all natural elements and using the same techniques that the Japanese have been refining for hundreds of years._x000D_ In my opinion its most likely from the mid to late 1800s._x000D_ It is rare to come across a Japanese Fox mask in general, it is exceptionally rare to find one that's so clearly evidenced as culturally important by having been used._x000D_ Without question this piece is astounding from the perspective of its Patina. I have a Guatemalan mask that has 20-30 layers of paint on it which attests to it being used at a minimum of 30 years/times. That being said, this Japanese mask has thicker, deeper, more wide-spread patina... which is suggestive this mask was worn 50+ years/time...A cultural heritage item that demands to be preserved._x000D_ A museum quality item._x000D_ Measures: 22 cm Tall x 19 cm Wide x 17 cm tip of nose to back of mask.