Mold for making paper-mache masks
Terms of Use
Usage Conditions ApplyAt A Glance
-
Period
late 16th century -
Geography
Japan -
Material
Wood -
Dimension
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) -
Accession Number
F2003.5.8 -
EDAN ID
edanmdm:fsg_F2003.5.8
Object Details
-
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. -
Provenance
To 2003Seymour J. Janow, Washington, DC, acquired in Japan, to 2003 [1]From 2003Freer Gallery of Art, given by the family of Seymour J. Janow in 2003Notes:[1] According to Curatorial Note 1, Ann Yonemura, September 30, 2003, in the object record. -
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection -
Previous custodian or owner
Mrs. Selma Janow -
Origin
Japan -
Credit Line
Collected by Seymour J. Janow and Gifted in his memory by his Family -
Type
Tool and Equipment -
Restrictions and Rights
Usage Conditions Apply
There are restrictions for re-using this media. 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 National Museum of Asian Art welcomes information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.
Keep Exploring
-
Related Resources
-
Date
-
Name
-
Place
-
Topic
-
Culture
-
Object Type