Beshimi mask
Terms of Use
Usage Conditions ApplyAt A Glance
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Period
early 17th century -
Geography
Japan -
Material
Hinoki wood with old black patina -
Dimension
H x W x D (overall): 20.1 x 15.7 x 7.3 cm (7 15/16 x 6 3/16 x 2 7/8 in) -
Accession Number
F2003.5.9 -
EDAN ID
edanmdm:fsg_F2003.5.9
Object Details
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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 mask is of the type known as beshimi, for its tightly closed mouth. Beshimi is a demon who usually appears in dance-dramas regarding a fierce but ultimately benevolent being. The simple carving of this piece identifies it with a rural context, probably for use in conjunction with local shrine or agricultural festivals. -
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 -
Exhibition History
Japanese Art from the Collection (October 26, 2024 - ongoing)Religious Art of Japan (December 18, 2002 to January 4, 2015) -
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
Mask -
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.
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