能面　小面|Ko-omote Noh Mask

Unknown

18th century · Cypress wood with white, black, and red pigments · Asian Art

Ko-omote (literally “small face”) Noh masks are used for main or secondary roles, of either a young girl or a supernatural being. Inspired by Heian-period (794–1185) aristocratic style, the face is painted white, with shaved and painted eyebrows, neatly combed hair, and black-dyed teeth. The mask conveys the idea of innocent beauty.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Cypress wood with white, black, and red pigments

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, 1993