Theater mask

Theater mask "khon"; Thailand, early 20th century.
Glass and paper mache polychrome and gilded,
In good state of preservation.
Measurements: 47 cm (height).

Theater mask made of papier-mache with ornamental glass appliques. The piece presents a zoomorphic being, dressed with the typical headdress.
Khon is a dramatic dance genre from Thailand that combines many arts such as dance and theater. There was no exact evidence dating its provenance, but it is mentioned in Lilit Phra Lo (c. 1529) of Thai literature, which was written before the era of King Narai Maharaj. It is traditionally performed only at the royal court by masked men accompanied by narrators and a traditional piphat ensemble.