Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog number |
69.14 |
Artist |
Unknown |
Title |
Juman Kyogen (bu-aku) Mask |
Object Name |
Mask, Ritual |
Description |
This "bu-aku" or "sorrowful demon" masks dates to Japan's Edo period. The mask is made of wood and has a polychrome finish. All masks during this period were carved from one block of wood, usually Japanese cypress. The exaggerated facial expressions are intended to stylize the character and to show him in a truer light, depicting only essential traits. The mask is large enough to cover the front of the face and has small openings for the eyes. The forehead protrudes between the drooping eyes and arched eyebrows. High cheekbones surround the large bulging nose, and the broad sinister smile extends across the bottom of the face. The hair and outlines of the facial features of this type of mask were usually traced in black. The mask was worn by a "Kyogen" player during the interlude of a Noh play. The mask represented the demon role in a Kyogen play. It was used to denote the devil or sometimes the King of hell, whose role was to judge human souls. Reference: Winter, Amy H., with Xiaoping Lin (eds.), "The Light of Infinite Wisdom: Asian Art from the Godwin-Ternbach Museum and Other Collections," Queens College, CUNY, 2003. |
Medium/Material |
Polychromed wood |
Dimensions |
H-8 W-7 Dia-4.5 inches |
Year Range from |
1615 |
Year Range to |
1868 |
Search Terms |
Head Mask Ceremonial Theatrical Performance Asian East Asia Japan Edo period Tokugawa period 17th century AD 18th century AD |
Exhibition and Publication History |
* "Art of the East: Selections from the Permanent Collection" Paul Klapper Library, G-TM, Oct.13-Nov. 18th, 1985, checklist #5 *"Director's Choice, Part II," G-TM, Fall, 2002, Amy Winter * "The Light of Infinite Wisdom: Asian Art from the Godwin-Ternbach Museum and Other Collections," A. Winter, X. Lin, Curators, G-TM, 10/15-12/20/2003, #26, ill., p. 19. *Exhibited in GTM: Human Nature Sept 2020- Jan 2021 |
Culture |
Japanese |