noun
usofuki; kyogen mask with bulging eyes and pursed lips
A specific Noh/kyogen mask characterized by exaggerated, bulging eyes and tightly pursed lips, as if whistling. Used in comedic interludes.
狂言で使われる嘯の面は、口をすぼめた滑稽な表情が特徴だ。
The usofuki mask used in kyogen is characterized by a comical expression with pursed lips.
能楽堂の展示で、江戸時代の嘯の面を見た。
At the Noh theater exhibition, I saw an Edo-period usofuki mask.
The name うそふき literally means 'whistling' (嘘吹き), referring to the pursed-lip expression of the mask. The kanji 嘯 is an ateji associated with whistling or calling out.