"Nô" theatre mask, "ikari tenjin" · Japan · ID: 3045060
not available anymore
Size
H: 22 cm
H: 8.7 inch
Description
wood, gypsum, colour pigments,
The name “tenjin” refers to Sugawara no Michizane, an important statesman and literary figure of the 9th century. A conspiracy drove the almighty state chancellor into exile, where he died in grief. When, after his death, the capital was hit by droughts, floods and epidemics, it was thought to recognize the punishment for the slanders committed against the deserving statesman. From then on he was identified in popular belief with the god of thunder.
Michizane has often been glorified in art and literature, and even the “Nô” theater has given way to the adoration of the legendary poet-chancellor.
Comparing literature
Perzynski, Friedrich, Japanische Masken, Zweiter Band, Berlin, Leipzig 1925, p. 187, ill. c)