Nojang (monk) mask
Nojang (monk) mask
Nojang (monk) mask
Nojang (monk) mask

Nojang (monk) mask


Collection

Dan Przybylski Collection


Collection

Global Connections


Identifier

PR48


Artist

unknown


Description

This is a Nojang or monk mask from South Korea. Nojang, in traditional Korean culture, represents a drunkard monk who has jaundiced eyes and flies on his face (represented by white dots). In the Korean traditional drama known as the talchum, The high monk was so intense in his study of the Buddhist scripture that he did not even notice the flies landing on his face and leaving their "calling-cards." It's a mark of the rampant corruption of the monks (at least in the world of talchum) that even such a focused and devout head monk would fall into depravity.


Medium

mixed media

Width

8in

Height

13in

Length

5in

Where Made (Region)

Yangju

Where Made (Country)

South Korea

Related place

South Korea

How Acquired

Donation

When Acquired

Oct 10 2018

Name of Donor

Austin Friends of Folk Art