Gigaku Mask of Young Persian Boy (Taikōji)

This mask is for the role of the son of an old Persian widower in gigaku, a theatrical dance repertoire imported to Japan from continental Asia during the seventh century. The old man and his sons mime prayers to the Buddha. While the mask would cover the entire head of the actor, there are openings for the eyes, nostrils, and mouth.

This is the mask for one of two sons who accompany a widower in ancient dance theater.