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Mask - Konoha Tengu

Konoha Tengu

  • Object:

    Mask

  • Place of origin:

    Japan (made)

  • Date:

    early 19th century (made)

  • Artist/Maker:

    unknown (production)

  • Materials and Techniques:

    Carved, painted and lacquered wood, with applied horsehair

  • Museum number:

    W.30-1925

  • Gallery location:

    In Storage

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The deity Konoha Tengu is often confused with the Shinto deity Saruta Hiko no Mikoto, 'whose eyes shine like mirrors', the deity who guided the Sun Goddess Amaterasu Omikami from her retreat in the High Celestial Plain down to Japan, bringing light back into the world. This mask may well have been carved in the likeness of the deity. Tengu masks (the tengu is a mythical creature) are used in many Shinto ceremonies and at provincial popular festivals, particularly in association with the shishi (Lion-Dog). The Konoha Tengu mask is sometimes also used in Buddhist Gyodo ceremonies, where the 'Tengu' can, on occasion, lead the procession of Bodhisattvas (Enlightened beings).

Physical description

The mask of the long-nosed (Konoha) tengu came to be identified with the Shinto god Saruta-hiko no mikoto "whose eyes shine like mirrors" and who guided the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami from her retreat in the high celestial plain down to Japan. Tengu masks in this form were used in various Shinto ceremonies and popular festivals. The wooden mask here is lacquered and painted, with gilded eyes and teeth, and real hair added to the crown of the head.

Place of Origin

Japan (made)

Date

early 19th century (made)

Artist/maker

unknown (production)

Materials and Techniques

Carved, painted and lacquered wood, with applied horsehair

Dimensions

Height: 21.5 cm, Width: 17.5 cm

Subjects depicted

Konoha Tengu

Collection code

EAS

Download image
Qr_O75199
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