Ryo-O
Mask
18th century (made)
18th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This is a mask of Ryo-O (also known as Ran-Ryo, the Dragon King) for the ritual performance of Bugaku. The mask is carved from cypress wood as is the decorative dragon on the top of the mask. The centrally parted hair flows over the top of the head in wavy lines. The back of the mask is framed by stylised cloud scrolls representing the helmet worn by Ryo-O. The eyebrows are raised to form arches over the eyes, which are covered in sheets of gilded metal. The eyes are secured to the inside of the mask by a metal rod, but no longer move freely. The chin is a separate piece of wood suspended from the lower jaw by a red silk cord rather than being connected to the rod for the eyes. This is the more usual method, and is known as tsuriago (dangling chin), whereas this form is more like the kiriago (detached chin) found on other types of Bugaku masks.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Ryo-O (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Carved and painted cypress wood |
| Brief description | Bugaku mask of Ryo-O, carved cypress wood, with lacquer, gilding and horsehair, Japanese, 18th century; Woo, Japan, theatrical accessories, wood |
| Physical description | This 18th century mask of the Dragon King, Ryo-O, made for the Bugaku performance of Ranryo is carved from cypress wood. It has been lacquered and gilded and horse hair added for the beard, moustache and eyelashes. A dragon crouches low on top of the mask creating the impression of a helmet. The chin is suspended from silk cords, the eyes are held in place by a metal rod to which the cords are attached. During the performance of the play, the actor moves in a lively fashion causing the eyes and chin to move together in harmony. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This is a mask of Ryo-O (also known as Ran-Ryo, the Dragon King) for the ritual performance of Bugaku. The mask is carved from cypress wood as is the decorative dragon on the top of the mask. The centrally parted hair flows over the top of the head in wavy lines. The back of the mask is framed by stylised cloud scrolls representing the helmet worn by Ryo-O. The eyebrows are raised to form arches over the eyes, which are covered in sheets of gilded metal. The eyes are secured to the inside of the mask by a metal rod, but no longer move freely. The chin is a separate piece of wood suspended from the lower jaw by a red silk cord rather than being connected to the rod for the eyes. This is the more usual method, and is known as tsuriago (dangling chin), whereas this form is more like the kiriago (detached chin) found on other types of Bugaku masks. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.518-1922 |
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| Record created | February 25, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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