19th century Japan, Iki-ningyo mask, Meiji period.
 
Made of papier-mâché and gofun with glass eyes, this beautiful example of an Iki-ningyo mask (living doll) conveys a strong sense of personality through its intense and realistic expression.
Popularized starting in 1852 following an exhibition in Osaka, the masks on display depicted life-size figures with expressions that were sometimes dramatic but always realistic. Very quickly, these masks were reproduced for export as souvenirs of Japanese culture and became a huge success.
It is sold with its Plexiglas base.

Bibliographic reference: Japanese Dolls: The Fascinating World of Ningyo by Alan Scott Pate

Dimensions of the mask: 14 cm high by 13 cm wide; 25 cm high on its base.
 
 
Ref: 139
 
 
Price: 120 euros