Hyottoko mask

A very powerful and excellently carved old Hyottoku mask with fine expression. This type of quality mask could have been carved by Koreans in Japan, or was originally influenced by Korean Folk artists. The large size Mingei mask with superb patina is a wonderful example of sensitive expressive carving by the best of earl Mingei carvers. This mask, which dates from the 14th-16th century, served as a predecessor of later Noh and Kyogen masks.
Appraiser’s number: [15]

Historical period(s)
Kamakura through Momoyama period, 14th-16th century
Medium
Wood
Dimensions
H x W x D (overall): 20.6 x 13.4 x 5.4 cm (8 1/8 x 5 1/4 x 2 1/8 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
F2003.5.6
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Mask
Type

Mask

Keywords
Japan, Kamakura period (1185 - 1333), man, Momoyama period (1573 - 1615), Noh
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

A very powerful and excellently carved old Hyottoku mask with fine expression. This type of quality mask could have been carved by Koreans in Japan, or was originally influenced by Korean Folk artists. The large size Mingei mask with superb patina is a wonderful example of sensitive expressive carving by the best of earl Mingei carvers. This mask, which dates from the 14th-16th century, served as a predecessor of later Noh and Kyogen masks.
Appraiser's number: [15]

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

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use