Korean ‘talchum’ folk mask

Choson dynasty (AD 1392-1910)
Painted Wood
Korea
H: 26 cm. W: 16 cm

This Korean folk mask was reserved for use in a traditional form of Korean drama known as ‘talchum’. In ‘talchum’ there are several stock characters used to create a compelling narrative. This mask depicts the yangban ‘aristocrat’ stock character. Although this character has a jolly facial expression as expressed through his large grin and crescent-shaped eyes, it was not uncommon for the aristocrat character to punish those who insult him. A skilled actor could make the mask look cheerful by holding his head high or menacing by dropping his chin.

Traditional Korean mask dramas known as ‘Talchum’ are still performed today as part of the nation’s heritage festivals. This style of theatre was popular among the village people of the Choson dynasty who used the masks to mock the local ruling elite.