East Asia, Japan, Meiji to Showa Period, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A dramatic wooden mask with fierce, exaggerated features made for Bugaku, an official court dance of Japan dating from the Heian period. Enveloped in red pigment with high-arching black eyebrows, the intimidating vizard displays bulging brass inlay eyes, a wide, flared nose, and 2 rows of gritting brass teeth, all enveloped by layered folds of wrinkles that line the forehead, cheeks, and jaw. Untamed wisps of horsehair project from the chin and cheeks, forming a wild, upward-sweeping moustache and beard. During the Heian period, Bugaku dances were so central to protocol that nearly all ceremonies and festivals included them. It was appreciated also by the samurai and intellectual middle classes during the later Edo period. The chin piece is worn loose, dangling from cords, so that its swinging motion gives added life to the already fierce expression of the mask. Size: 5.9" W x 8" H (15 cm x 20.3 cm)

Bugaku dance was especially important in appeasing angry gods, purifying the village, and petitioning the gods for rain or a good harvest. The dance is performed to the music of drums and flutes. The dancers enter the stage singly in succession, then dance together in pairs, in synchronicity to varying tempos. Each dance has its own mask and is named after the mask.

Provenance: private Englewood, Colorado USA collection

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#180251

Chin piece was originally dangling (as is traditional with Bugaku masks) but has been attached with restoration over some break lines and others visible. Missing horns with restoration over area where they were previously attached. A few stable hairline fissures on verso. Nicks and abrasions to surface and some losses to horsehair, but otherwise nice presentation with rich pigments and patina throughout. Japanese inscription on verso, as well as suspension rope for easy display.