Artwork preview

Mask (Sōmen) in the Shape of a Grimacing Man

Myōchin Munesuke

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Dark brown mask with a wide face and prominent facial features. The mask has a large nose, thick eyebrows, and a mustache. Two circular holes represent the eyes, each encircled by a thin gold rim. The mouth is carved into a frown. The mask appears to be made of wood and has a smooth, shiny finish. It is viewed straight on against a plain gray background.

Artwork details

Date:
early 18th century
Medium:
Iron, lacquer, gold
Culture:
Japanese
Dimensions:
600 × 480 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette