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Noh mask, Chūjō
(Nōmen Chūjō 能面 中将)
(17th century-18th century)
Medium
pigments, ground shell and animal glue on Cypress (Hinoki), silk thread cord
Measurements
20.0 × 13.2 × 7.0 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
This otoko-men (male human mask) takes its name from the talented Heian-period (794–1185) poet Ariwara no Narihira, on whom the mask was modelled. Narihira was a chūjō (lieutenant-general), born into a family of imperial blood. He was reputedly as ardent a lover as he was a poet, and famously had an affair with the emperor’s consort. In Noh theatre Chūjō masks are used to portray noblemen or gallant but ultimately doomed warriors.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Japan
Accession Number
2011.351
Department
Asian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation