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Half-mask
Half-mask

Half-mask

Place of OriginJapan
Date1570-1650
PeriodMomoyama period (1573-1615) or Edo period (1615-1868)
MaterialsIron, lacquer and silk
DimensionsH. 11 in x W. 10 in x D. 7 1/8 in, H. 29.2 cm x W. 25.4 cm x D. 18.1 cm (overall); H. 7 3/8 in x W. 7 3/8 in, H. 18.7 cm x W. 18.7 cm (mask only)
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60S195
DepartmentJapanese Art
ClassificationsArms And Armament
On View
Not on view
More Information
This mask, with its beaklike nose, represents the face of an imaginary creature that was half-human and half-bird and possessed superpowers (tengu). The surface of the mask is finished in russet, and the interior is lacquered red. Still intact is a throat guard of three layers of lacquered metal plates laced with silk cords.