Japanese Lacquer Theater Mask, Based

Bald mask with flared red-rimmed eyes and a grin full of crooked teeth.

This Japanese theater mask on a mount is from Japan, and dates to the 19th century. It is wood, pigment, lacquer & plant fiber. Theater masks in Japan are generally carved from wood, coated with gesso, painted and sometimes lacquered, and a mounted display keeps the face in view. Hollow face with a smooth, rounded brow, red-rimmed eyes, deep nose creases and a wide mouth showing white fangs and small lower teeth. The surface is dark olive with a worn, aged finish. It is held on a rod above a black plate. It is 5.75 inches wide, 4 deep and 12 high.

Alarming smile, excellent dental work, no apologies offered.