Demon mask

Historical period(s)
Momoyama or Edo period, 17th century
Medium
Wood, pigment, and lacquer
Dimensions
H x W x D (overall): 24.5 x 16 x 19.8 cm (9 5/8 x 6 5/16 x 7 13/16 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
Collected by Seymour J. Janow and gifted in his memory by his family
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F2003.5.15
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Mask
Type

Mask

Keywords
demon, Edo period (1615 - 1868), Japan, Momoyama period (1573 - 1615)
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

Label

This long-nosed red mask represents a tengu. With both bird and human attributes, tengu often are depicted wearing the garments of yamabushi, ascetic Buddhist monks who acquire magical powers. Despite this association, tengu were connected to malicious acts toward Buddhist priests, such as kidnapping them and tying them in trees, driving them mad by implanting impure thoughts, or tricking them into consuming excrement. Masks representing the red-faced tengu were used in shrine dances.

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