The Ko-omote mask portrays the classic beauty of a young woman of the Heian period: shaved eyebrows, blackened teeth, parted hair, and a pale face. Beauty played a significant role in the Heian period of classic Japan as it was often used to determine character quality and social status. Ko means youth and beauty, while omote means face. Although there can be many variations to the Ko-omote mask, the mask is always meant to show a calm and collected figure celebrating the beauty of youth. Her reapplied eyebrows and square cutout eyes signify her youth and distinguish her from other older female masks.
Last Updated: 1/5/2021