Wood with pigment

A very nice sensitive mask with very good age of Jo-men (old man) with a very fine old patina in Kusunoki wood (laurel or camphor wood), and nice aging of the front and back of the mask. Three beautifully cut inscriptions appear on the back, add importance to this fine mask. The mask resembles a style akin to Korean carvers who also worked in Japan and this mask resembles a Bugaku mask in style. Very nice condition overall. 16th-17th century.
Appraiser’s number: [3]

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Historical period(s)
Muromachi through Edo period, 16th-17th century
Medium
Kusunoki wood (laurel or camphor wood) with colored pigment
Dimensions
H x W x D (overall): 19.4 x 13.6 x 4.9 cm (7 5/8 x 5 3/8 x 1 15/16 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
Collected by Seymour J. Janow and gifted in his memory by his family
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Accession Number
F2003.5.3
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Mask
Type

Mask

Keywords
Edo period (1615 - 1868), Japan, man, Muromachi period (1333 - 1573)
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

Description

A very nice sensitive mask with very good age of Jo-men (old man) with a very fine old patina in Kusunoki wood (laurel or camphor wood), and nice aging of the front and back of the mask. Three beautifully cut inscriptions appear on the back, add importance to this fine mask. The mask resembles a style akin to Korean carvers who also worked in Japan and this mask resembles a Bugaku mask in style. Very nice condition overall. 16th-17th century.
Appraiser's number: [3]

Inscription(s)

1. (Jerry Solomon, independent appraiser, 12 April 2003) Three beautifully cut inscriptions appear on the back.

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