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This is one of the earliest surviving examples of a full face mask (somen). It is also very rare for being modeled on a specific character from Noh drama: the happy old man (okina) with distinctive white eyebrows and beard.
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Title: Mask (Sōmen)
Date: possibly 15th century
Culture: Japanese
Medium: Iron, lacquer, hair, textile (silk)
Dimensions: H. 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm); W. 5 13/16 in. (14.8 cm); D. 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm); Wt. 9.9 oz. (281 g)
Classification: Armor Parts-Masks
Credit Line: Gift of Bashford Dean, 1914
Accession Number: 14.100.33
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