An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Gikaku Mask of Young Persian Boy (Taikōji)710–94
This mask is for the role of the son of an old Persian widower in <em>gigaku</em>, a theatrical dance repertoire imported to Japan from continental Asia during the seventh century. The old man and his sons mime prayers to the Buddha. While the mask would cover the entire head of the actor, there are openings for the eyes, nostrils, and mouth.
This is the mask for one of two sons who accompany a widower in ancient dance theater.
paulownia wood, lacquered and painted
Overall: 28 x 21 x 18.5 cm (11 x 8 1/4 x 7 5/16 in.)
John L. Severance Fund
In a tranquil corner of ancient Japan, a story unfolds beneath the gentle sway of cherry blossoms. It is here that a mask emerges, rich in history and imbued with a serene spiritual presence. This mask, a delicate creation, is destined for a poignant role—the son of an elderly widower—a character steeped in both reverence and longing, who walks the path between the living and the divine.
The echoes of the past whisper through the vibrant streets as the art of gigaku, a theatrical dance form, finds its way from distant Persia, sharing tales that transcend borders. In the seventh century, this lush tradition blossoms, weaving together the fabric of performance and devotion. Gathered in the shadows of a temple, the old man and his sons come to life upon the stage, their movements a graceful choreography of prayer and hope.
The mask itself is a masterpiece, designed to envelop the actor's head completely, transforming him into the vessel of emotion and spirit. Eyes, nostrils, and mouth are carefully carved openings—windows to the soul, allowing the actor to convey joy and sorrow in equal measure. As the performance begins, the audience breathes in the atmosphere, lulled by the rhythmic cadence of the dance. Each gesture, each whisper of fabric, reflects not only the story of a family but also a sacred connection to the Buddha.
In this fleeting moment, the mask serves as a bridge connecting the hearts of the characters to the hearts of those who watch. It encapsulates a shared experience of mourning, remembrance, and the enduring belief in solace found through prayer. And as the final notes linger in the air, the elderly widower and his sons fade into memory, leaving behind a legacy of love and spirituality, forever etched in the annals of time.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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