H x W x D (overall): 22.3 x 16.4 x 6.3 cm (8 3/4 x 6 7/16 x 2 1/2 in)
Type:
Mask
Origin:
Japan
Date:
16th-17th century
Period:
Muromachi through Edo period
Description:
A very good Okame mask carved finely in Hinoki wood (cypress) is a very sensitive depiction for this licentious country madam who often jests with her partner Hyottoku in sexual forays. Together their fecundity symbolizes a hope and desire for successful agricultural production as well as for the pro-creation of the people. A carver who carved masks for Kyogen plays as well as country masks as it is refined and larger than most mingei masks of this character might have made it. 16th-17th century.
Appraiser's number: [5]
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.