Bonten (Brahman)

This set of processional masks, formerly owned by the Toji temple, is one of the oldest in Japan. The present seven, three made of paulownia wood and four of cypress, are considered to be part of nineteen masks rescued from the fire of 1000 A.D. that burnt down the treasure storage in Kyo'ogokokuji (the former name for Toji temple). According to the inscriptions on the reverse side, the masks were repaired in 1086 and in 1334, for use in the dedication ceremony of the new pagoda The present coloring probably dates from the latter occasion. The oval face of Bonten, with its gently swelling eyelids and cheeks, small, downcast eyes and diminutive mouth, has a dreamlike expression. Its style is quite typical of the end of the 10th Century, when Kojo, father of Jocho (the master sculptor of the following century) was active.

— Museum description: Kyoto National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.