Masks reveal unknown worlds

Doji, Japan, carved, painted, and lacquered wood, 21×14×8cm. Doji is the archetype of a Noh theatre mask with the milky whiteness of the face, the half-closed eyes and the blackened teeth that characterise the aristocracy. He represents a young man whose enthused gaze, discreet dimples, and fine black hair fringing his delicately modelled forehead all serve to underscore his youth.