Demon mask

Oni mask. Early 17th century. Difficult sumi inscription on the back.
Appraiser’s number: [67]

Historical period(s)
Momoyama or Edo period, early 17th century
Medium
Wood, pigment, lacquer
Dimensions
H x W x D (overall): 23.2 x 15.5 x 7.8 cm (9 1/8 x 6 1/8 x 3 1/16 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
Collected by Seymour J. Janow and Gifted in his memory by his Family
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Accession Number
F2003.5.12
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Mask
Type

Mask

Keywords
demon, Edo period (1615 - 1868), Japan, Momoyama period (1573 - 1615)
Provenance

To 2003
Seymour J. Janow, Washington, DC, acquired in Japan, to 2003 [1]

From 2003
Freer Gallery of Art, given by the family of Seymour J. Janow in 2003

Notes:

[1] According to Curatorial Note 1, Ann Yonemura, September 30, 2003, in the object record.

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

Mrs. Selma Janow

Description

Oni mask. Early 17th century. Difficult sumi inscription on the back.
Appraiser's number: [67]

Inscription(s)

1. (Jerry Solomon, independent appraiser, 12 April 2003) Sumi inscription on the back.

Label

The use of masks in dance, court ritual, processions, and religious ceremonies expanded and flourished under the patronage of the Japanese imperial court during the seventh and eighth centuries, when a wide variety of performance, dance, and musical forms reached Japan from Korea, China, Southeast and West Asia. The elaborate carved and polychromed wood masks for these performances were probably produced by the sculptors of Buddhist icons, but in later periods, mask carving became a specialized skill that was often fostered within families.

This mask representing a demon would have been used in shrine rituals and dance performances. The mask has a striking form with large eyebrows detailed with parallel ridges. The glossy red surface appears to be lacquered, and the eyes may once have been gilded.

Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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