Konoha Tengu
Mask
early 19th century (made)
early 19th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
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).
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Konoha Tengu (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Carved, painted and lacquered wood, with applied horsehair |
| Brief description | Festival mask depicting the mythical creature known as the Konoha Tengu (Long-nosed Tengu); carved and painted wood with lacquer, gilding and hair; Japanese; 19th century.; Woo, Japan, theatrical accessories, wood |
| 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. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | 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). |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.30-1925 |
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| Record created | February 25, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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