Large Antique Lacquered Wood Tengu Mask, Japan
A traditional Japanese tengu mask, carved in wood with an exaggerated long nose, glaring eyes and clenched teeth, and set with thick implanted eyebrows, whiskers and a long beard, conveying the fierce power of a mountain deity incarnate. It is covered in multiple layers of vermilion lacquer with gold highlights in places, giving a warm, substantial lacquer surface; the fine scuffs, aged lacquer in places and patina from years of use add a sense of time and collecting value. Its large size and three-dimensional hair make the shadows especially striking under stage or display lighting.