Hyottoku mask

14th-15th century Hyottoku mask in Kusunoki (Laurel or Camphor wood) mingei carving with some patina and age. There has been some minute rat nibbling on the mouth of this mask. This mask was probably used to ward off the evil spirits of illness, judging from the knot on its forehead.Small loss on proper right side back edge of the mask.
Appraiser’s number: [82]

Historical period(s)
Kamakura or Muromachi period, 14th-15th century
Medium
Wood
Dimensions
H x W x D (overall): 21.3 x 14.8 x 5.9 cm (8 3/8 x 5 13/16 x 2 5/16 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
Collected by Seymour J. Janow and gifted in his memory by his family
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F2003.5.14
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Mask
Type

Mask

Keywords
Japan, Kamakura period (1185 - 1333), Muromachi period (1333 - 1573)
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

14th-15th century Hyottoku mask in Kusunoki (Laurel or Camphor wood) mingei carving with some patina and age. There has been some minute rat nibbling on the mouth of this mask. This mask was probably used to ward off the evil spirits of illness, judging from the knot on its forehead.Small loss on proper right side back edge of the mask.
Appraiser's number: [82]

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