Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Folk Art (37)

Magnificent, very rare wood Bugaku dance mask depicting the Dragon King, Ryo-o. Mounted on a round frame covered on silver leaf paper. Ca. 1820. The mask has a bristling moustache and beard, 4 teeth and a hanging moveable chin piece. The top has a dragon carved. All was lacquered. A similar mask is on exhibit at the British Museum. Bugaku is a courtly ritual dance which has survived in Japan since the Heian Period, Ca. 794-1185. In the Edo Period it was popular with Samurai and he intellectual middle classes. 20" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.