Mold for making paper-mache masks

A very good quality, large wood mold for making paper-mache masks. The handle in the back of the back denotes its use, as does the faded lines around the circumference of the mask indicating that the paper mach was peeled off. This very strong and well-carved mold for a mask could have served a dual function, as a mold and as a hanging mask when not in use. Earlier mold of its kind, late 16th century, used by farmers for paper-mache masks.
Appraiser’s number: [24]

Historical period(s)
Muromachi or Momoyama period, late 16th century
Medium
Wood
Dimensions
H x W x D (overall): 25.8 x 21.3 x 12.6 cm (10 3/16 x 8 3/8 x 4 15/16 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
F2003.5.8
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Tool and Equipment
Type

Mold

Keywords
Japan, Momoyama period (1573 - 1615), 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

A very good quality, large wood mold for making paper-mache masks. The handle in the back of the back denotes its use, as does the faded lines around the circumference of the mask indicating that the paper mach was peeled off. This very strong and well-carved mold for a mask could have served a dual function, as a mold and as a hanging mask when not in use. Earlier mold of its kind, late 16th century, used by farmers for paper-mache masks.
Appraiser's number: [24]

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 large carved form is not fully carved out on the back, and may have been used as a mould over which papier maché was formed to produce simple masks for rural dance performances. A wide variety of masked performances were associated with agricultural rites to ensure an abundant rice harvest.

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