East Asia, Japan, Meiji to Showa Period, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A striking wood mask, hand-carved in the Noh theatre tradition to portray the face of a demon or a kishin. Lined with numerous folds of wrinkles, the expressive face displays huge, gold-colored eyes beneath arching, horsehair eyebrows, a bulbous, flared nose, and a wide-open mouth featuring upper and lower fangs. Although the face can look frightening and full of rage, it also looks sorrowful and grieving- capturing both wrath and pain is difficult, but simply tilting the head and changing the perspective of the audience can convey this change in expression. Size: 6.9" W x 9.5" H (17.5 cm x 24.1 cm)

Provenance: private Englewood, Colorado USA collection

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#180254

Some minor areas of chipping as well as nicks and abrasions to surface. Losses to horsehair from nose and beard. Liberal remains of pigment and eyebrows. Faint Japanese inscription on verso, and suspension string for display.