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Mikazuki (male deity) Noh mask

A work made of japanese cypress, colors, and brass.
CC0 Public Domain Designation

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  • A work made of japanese cypress, colors, and brass.

Date:

16th century

Artist:

Japan

About this artwork

Mikazuki masks were used by actors portraying vengeful spirits in need of appeasement. The masks’ characteristic features include an ocher complexion, a wide mustache, and eyes fashioned with gilded brass rings, with the whites painted red. The wide eyes and bared teeth give the mask a frightening expression, and the glint of light off the eyes during a performance must have added to its terror.

Status

On View, Gallery 103

Department

Arts of Asia

Title

Mikazuki (male deity) Noh mask

Place

Japan (Artist's nationality)

Date

1701–1800

Medium

Japanese cypress, colors, and brass

Credit Line

Frederick W. Gookin Memorial Collection

Reference Number

1936.151

IIIF Manifest  The International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) represents a set of open standards that enables rich access to digital media from libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural institutions around the world.

Learn more.

https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/22595/manifest.json

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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