Terms and conditions of use
Noh mask, Kawazu
(Nōmen Kawazu 能面 蛙)
(18th century)
Medium
pigments, ground shell and animal glue on Cypress (Hinoki), gilt-metal
Measurements
19.5 × 14.8 × 8.5 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased with funds donated by Allan Myers AO and Maria Myers AO, 2011
Gallery location
Level 1, NGV International
About this work
This mask represents an Onryō, a ghost or spirit who returns to the world of the living driven by their desire for vengeance. Kawazu represents a ghost of a man who was drowned and therefore its title gives reference to the word ‘frog’. His furrowed brow, sunken eyes and hollowed cheeks all impart an exhausted and miserable expression. The wet-looking hair painted on the forehead suggests recent immersion in water and emphasises the expression of misery and the spirit’s former life as a poor peasant. The Kawazu mask is used for Noh plays such as Akogi and Fujito.
