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The purpose of a Noh-themed page is not to catalogue generic portraits, but to keep the Noh mask, character, inscribed play title and bottle identity separate. Without wording on the label or from the issuer, do not n...
The purpose of a Noh-themed page is not to catalogue generic portraits, but to keep the Noh mask, character, inscribed play title and bottle identity separate. Without wording on the label or from the issuer, do not name a character or play from the appearance of the mask alone.
Use separate fields for the Noh mask, character and play
| Field | How to record it | When a conclusion is justified |
|---|---|---|
| Noh mask or figure | Facial colour, expression, headwear, clothing and pose | The label or release information expressly gives the name |
| Play | Transcribe the Japanese wording, romanisation and English exactly as shown | Direct wording or a traceable catalogue is available |
| Image source | Signature, seal, plate number and copyright line | The source can be traced to the artist or issuer |
| Bottling | Distillation and bottling years, cask number, bottle number, volume and ABV | Markings on the bottle and presentation packaging corroborate one another |
The same Noh-mask image may still appear on different bottles
- Photograph the front and back labels separately so the inscription, cask number and bottler are all legible.
- Even when the image on the box matches the bottle label, cross-check the cask number, bottle number, year and volume.
- Keep alternative romanisations in the alias field, while using the original wording on the bottle as the inventory key.
- A group photograph cannot establish the number of versions or their complete sequence. Give each bottle its own provenance row.
Noh-themed labels: frequently asked questions
Can the character be named merely from the appearance of a Noh mask?
No. Record the visible features first; a character or play requires support from the label inscription or a traceable catalogue.
Should the forms Noh, No and the Japanese-character form be merged?
They may be kept as search aliases, but the original form on the bottle and the issuer’s usage must be preserved exactly.
Can condition be compared directly when the theme is the same?
First align the cask number, year, volume, ABV, bottler and presentation packaging, then compare the closure and fill level from the same angle.
Primary sources and their scope
- Kirin Holdings: timeline of Karuizawa-related companies: does not support the name of a Noh mask, character or play.
An official page supports only the names, specifications and history expressly stated there. The year, version, authenticity, accessories and condition of an individual item still require field-by-field verification.
Related resources on this site
Prepare verifiable records
When documenting “Karuizawa Noh-Themed Labels”, first assign the full view, front and back, key markings, accessories, provenance and visible anomalies a unique item identifier. Do not infer whisky details that require measurement or physical inspection from a similar online image. You may send a numbered list and clear photographs via WhatsApp, or call +852 9453 0784. Making contact does not mean that an appraisal or quotation has been completed; any conclusion remains subject to verifiable records and inspection of the item.
