head (art)

Greater than life-sized wooden model head, iki ningyo, covered in gesso, depicting an old man with a long, greyish-black moustache, beard, hair, and eyebrows of human hair. It has glass eyes. The mouth is slightly open, the teeth have gaps between them, there are wrinkles on the forehead, and lifelike contours. There is some superficial damage. The mask is lacquered on the inside. There are holes at the top and bottom, with string and wire, probably to attach to a wall.

probably used in a procession or display, part of a festival

Collection Information

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