This is a beautiful vintage Korean Hahoe mask miniature wall plaque, complete with its original display box.
Mask & Mount Details: Character: Yangban (Aristocrat/Nobleman), identified by the Hangul stamp 양반 printed on the wood mount below the mask.
Mask Material & Finish: Crafted from molded resin/composite or carved wood, finished in a warm, rich reddish-brown wood-grain tone with black recessed accent lines highlighting the expressive facial wrinkles, smiling eyes, open mouth, and prominent nose.
Plaque size is 5" tall by 3.25" wide and is 1.5" deep (back of plaque to top of nose).
Side Details: Features dark purple/brown braided decorative side cords laced through the mask sides.
Mounting Backer: Mounted onto a two-tone composite particle board backing featuring a light natural wood-grain top section and a dark textured lower section.
Stamp Marks: Features a red ink seal stamp (dojang) in the lower left corner containing traditional Hanja/Hangul characters (하회탈공방).
Center label stamped in black reading 양반 (Yangban).
Display Ready: The back of the board features a flush-mounted metal triangle hanger secured with a screw for easy wall mounting.
Original Packaging & Box Details: Box Front: Display box featuring a clear plastic window, a printed Hanja top banner reading 大韓民國重要無形文化財傳統假面 (Republic of Korea Important Intangible Cultural Asset Traditional Mask), and bottom text 大辰 with logo.
Box Back: Detailed Korean and English text highlighting the heritage: "Important Intangible Cultural Asset No. 69" "The Mask Play of Hahoe Byeolsin Exorcism"
Designation Date: 1980. 11. 17
Features a vibrant illustration of a traditional mask dancer in costume performing with a ribbon wand.
Condition: Pre-owned vintage condition. The mask and mounting plaque are in excellent structural shape with bright colors and minimal wear. The original cardboard outer box shows light shelf wear, softening around corners, and mild rubbing consistent with age and storage. Please inspect all photos closely for exact cosmetic details.
The Story Behind the Mask In traditional Korean folk culture, the Hahoe Byeolsin-gut Talnori (Hahoe Mask Play of Exorcism) is a centuries-old theatrical ritual performed to bring peace, prosperity, and good harvest to the village. The specific mask featured on this plaque represents Yangban (양반), the aristocratic nobleman character. Traditionally depicted with a wide, smiling expression, deep laugh lines, and a movable lower jaw in full-scale masks, the Yangban character combines dignified status with satirical humor. This display piece serves as both an authentic cultural emblem and a captivating piece of Asian wall art.
