Ikki ningyo face mask, Japan, Meiji period 19th century

Paper mache, gofun, glass eyes.
A dramatic example of iki-ningy? (living doll) from Japan. This was a cultural phenomenon in the evolution of doll-making in Japan that began in 1852 with an exhibition in Osaka. Eventually, life-sized, highly dramatic and super-realistic figures in scenes from mythology gave way to pieces that were created for the export market as souvenirs of Japanese culture. These pieces are highly collectible and increasingly hard to find in the art market.
reference: Japanese Dolls: The Fascinating World of Ningyo by Alan Scott Pate, 2008, pp. 142-153.
Custom bronze stand from Atelier Punchinello.
Total size with stand : 37cm mask only :24 x 22 x 9 cm