Noh is the classical theatre of Japan which was codified in the 14th century by the father and son actors Kan'ami and Zeami under the patronage of the Shogun (supreme military leader) Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Under Yoshimitsu the Zen principles of restraint, understatement, economy of movement and frugality of expression became incorporated into the performance. By the early seventeenth century Noh had become an even more austere and formalised drama reserved almost exclusively for the military elite.

The mask of Zo-Onna is that of a slightly older woman (perhaps in her twenties) as indicated by the thinner face. The mask is used in many plays and is considered suitable for female roles which call for elegant refinement: for example, Rokujo in Nonomiya (The Shrine in the Field) or the Heavenly Maiden in Hagoromo (The Feather Mantle) might wear this mask.

The small elegantly sculpted mask is carved from a single piece of hinoki, cut across the grain of the wood. A thin layer of gofun has been built up over the carved wood and painted details applied. The fine features are emphasised by the high forehead and the restrained carving of the eyes which lack any pronounced details of the eyebrows. The nose is firm yet delicate and the bridge flows gracefully from the middle of the forehead. The mouth is small yet sensuous, the lips parted slightly to reveal the upper teeth.