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Items Similar to 19th Century or Earlier Ritual Buddhist Mask, Japan
19th Century, Meiji, Antique Japanese Wooden Noh Mask
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19th Century, Meiji, Antique Japanese Wooden Noh Mask
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Japanese Noh Theater Mask of a Deigan (泥眼)
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19th Century or Earlier Ritual Buddhist Mask, Japan

$3,800
£2,896.43
€3,340.72
CA$5,397.14
A$5,799.79
CHF 3,111.92
MX$68,317.99
NOK 39,129
SEK 35,744.08
DKK 24,967.25

About the Item

19th Century or Earlier Ritual Buddhist Mask, Japan Ex Collection of Charles Smith, University of Washington A masterly carved ritual mask used in Shinto Festival ceremonies, most likely of an old man or foreigner. While this mask has a size format of the ancient Gigaku masks (7th and 8th centuries), and would fit under the chin to the top of the hairline, it is definitely not one of these. Gigagku masks have fourteen different characters, and this is definitely not one of them. Nor is it one of the late 19th century copies of a Gigaku mask, with linen and lacquer in the inside back of the mask to give the illusion that it is very old and also to strengthen the mask because the original masks were thin and fragile. Nor is this a Bugaku mask of the 9th–12th century used in noble court dance performances, which are still performed today using new masks, some even made in resin or plastic. This mask is not one of the Bugaku mask iconic representations and does not fit any Bugaku style mask. From around the late 13th century until the present day,ritual masks were made and used in shrine festival (matsuri) activities, for many different reasons: To expel evil spirts, plagues or illnesses to protect agriculture, and in general to promote safety, secure fecundity and to protect the villages and towns from all unpleasant happenings. These ritual masks were not for entertainment of theater, but were to bring the kami or spirits down from the heavens and ask for their help. The people march the masqueraders around, feed them, show them a good time, and then send the spirits of these masks back up to the heavens (no one wants any spirits hanging around, good or bad). What is unique about these ritual masks more than any other type of Japanese mask is that while they have general names such as Oni (demon), old men, dragon, etc. they do not follow a strict iconography and these masks are totally individualistic created by the many artists who made them. Finding two or more masks that look relatively similar or almost identical is extremely rare. (Courtesy of Jerry Solomon)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 12 in (30.48 cm)Width: 8.75 in (22.23 cm)Depth: 9.5 in (24.13 cm)
  • Style:
    Tribal (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Cypress,Hand-Carved
  • Place of Origin:
    Japan
  • Period:
    Mid-19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    19th century or ealier
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Point Richmond, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: ZK#36401stDibs: LU1778247543872

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