Vintage Wooden Mask, Hand-Carved and Hand-Painted Red Sri Lankan Kolam Theatre Mask

A wonderfully expressive vintage wooden mask, beautifully hand-carved and painted in vibrant red with striking facial features and intricate decorative details.

This unusual mask features an exaggerated protruding nose, large bulging eyes, dramatically arched eyebrows, and an expressive open mouth revealing white teeth. The face is decorated with traditional-style painted motifs in black, white, gold, and turquoise.

The mask could be an example of a traditional Sri Lankan Kolam theatre mask, associated with the fascinating masked folk performances of Sri Lanka. Kolam masks are known for their exaggerated facial expressions, colourful decorations, and distinctive characters representing humans, supernatural beings, and figures from everyday life.

Although the exact origin and age of this particular mask have not been confirmed, its expressive features and hand-carved construction show similarities to traditional Kolam masks.

The mask is carved from wood, with openings at the back for the eyes and mouth. An attached cord allows it to be displayed on a wall.

The piece has developed a lovely aged patina, with visible paint wear, scratches, surface marks, and small imperfections that contribute to its distinctive vintage character.

A fascinating collectible for lovers of traditional folk art, theatrical masks, Asian antiques, and unusual decorative objects.

Dimensions:

Height: 34 cm (13.4 inches)

Width: 28 cm (11 inches)

Depth: 22 cm (8.7 inches)

Material: Hand-carved and hand-painted wood.

Condition: Good vintage condition with visible signs of age and use, including surface wear, scratches, paint loss, and natural imperfections. Please examine the photographs carefully.

Origin: Possibly Sri Lanka, Kolam mask tradition (unconfirmed).

A striking piece of folk art with remarkable character and decorative appeal.