Terms and conditions of use
Noh mask, Shakumi
(Nōmen Shakumi 能面 曲見)
(17th century)
Medium
pigments, ground shell and animal glue on Cypress (Hinoki)
Measurements
21.1 × 14.2 × 7.1 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased with funds donated by Allan Myers AO and Maria Myers AO, 2011
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
Onna-men (female human masks) are the most well known and popular of Noh masks. Shakumi is a middle-aged woman; her youthful looks are a distant memory. The loose strands of hair give her the careworn look of one who has suffered and survived countless trials and tribulations, and it is for this reason Shakumi often appears in the role of a mother. The mask’s overall expression is one of graceful strength that denotes acceptance of one’s fate.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Japan
Inscription
painted in red lacquer on reverse u.r.: 出目 / 満長
painted in gold lacquer on reverse u.c.: (Deme Mitsunaga's seal)
Accession Number
2011.350
Department
Asian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation