Antique Japanese Zochoten Bugaku Mask on Acrylic Stand - This stunning mask is an antique Zochoten Bugaku mask. Bugaku is the Japanese traditional dance that has been performed to select elites mostly in Japanese imperial courts for over twelve hundred years. In this way it has been an upper class secret. The masks are an important element of the dance, and are known as the "Twelve Dieities". The dancers wear intricate traditional Buddhist costumes, which usually include equally beautiful masks. Bugaku dance is comprised of four genres: civil dances, warrior dances, running dances, and dances for children. This mask is of Zochoten, one of the Twelve Dieties, and is one of four dieties in Japanese culture which protect the four cardinal directions. The mask is decorated with a red face, as color is the color commonly associated with Zochoten in Japan. His helmet is a forrest green, and, along with his eyes is accented with gilt gold. The mask is signed on the inside of the piece. The mask easures 13.5"L x 8.25"W x 5.75" deep, and will come with an acrylic stand.