Mask for demon

18th-19th century

This is a mask used in Noh theater to represent a female demon who is filled with malicious jealousy and hatred. It has two sharp horns and metallic eyes beneath frowning eyebrows. The mouth is open, with pointed upper and lower fangs that make the demon even more ferocious.

Wood, lacquer, and brass

10 1/4 x 8 7/8 x 5 in. (26.04 x 22.54 x 12.7 cm)

Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection

45.105

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Now on view at the Asian Art Museum

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "Documents International: Reflections in the Mirror: A World of Identity", April 23, 1998 - June 20, 1999

Vancouver, British Columbia, UBC Museum of Anthropology, "The Hidden Dimension: Face Masking In East Asia", May 22 - December 1984 (05/22/1984 - 12/1984)

Bellingham, Washington, The Whatcom Museum of History and Art, "Masks: Facing The World", July 30 - November 8, 1987 (07/30/1987 - 11/08/1987)

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, Feb. 8, 2020 - ongoing.

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