Japan

8 inches, painted composite

This particular style dates back to the 1000-year-old Gigaku tradition and has been popular ever since. An expert on Japanese culture recently told me this is a tengu, the god that is part man and part crow. It is a classic spirit in plays that can kill you or help you, inspiring fear among Japanese people even today. Molded out of a composite similar to heavy papier mache, the likeness is painted with several layers of lacquer. Rough and worn, this small mask now has a nice patina.

$340