Mask of Hanako (Ohta Hisa, 1868–1945)

Auguste Rodin|Alexis Rudier

modeled 1908, cast probably before 1950 · Bronze, black marble base · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This mask is part of a series in which Rodin sought to convey the intense expressivity of his model’s face. The actress known as Hanako performed westernized adaptations of Japanese Kabuki theater written by her agent, the famous American dancer Loie Fuller, under the pseudonym Loi-Fu. While the mask shows a peaceful countenance, the performances typically ended in bloody harakiri (ritual suicide) scenes, during which Hanako captivated audiences with her expressions of anguish.

Artist

Auguste Rodin|Alexis Rudier

Date

modeled 1908, cast probably before 1950

Medium

Bronze, black marble base

Culture

French

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, 1984