Wall Mask Sun in Brown Leather, 1970s

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This handmade sun mask made of natural leather is an example of wall decor with a distinctive, eclectic character. Its … Read more This handmade sun mask made of natural leather is an example of wall decor with a distinctive, eclectic character. Its form is a stylized human face surrounded by radiating rays. The whole piece is kept in a deep chestnut brown with nuanced color transitions. The surface of the mask has a delicate satin sheen, while the rays darken towards the edges and lighten on the convex areas. The almond-shaped eye holes are accentuated by a hand-painted white line, and the forehead is decorated with a subtle golden sun motif. The structure of the skin shows traces of craftsmanship, visible in the fine textures and natural patina at the ends of the rays. The whole combines trends in Venetian craftsmanship and circus scenography, typical of the free interpretations of the 1970s. The way the mask transforms the sun motif into organic material gives it a sculptural and theatrical feel. The rounded line of the rays and the subtle modeling of the face bring to mind celestial iconography—as if a relic of mythology had been translated into the language of contemporary design. The contrast between white and brown around the eyes suggests the expression familiar from stage masks, and the golden detail on the forehead becomes a symbolic focal point that attracts the eye. Masks of this type are worth using as a central compositional accent on the wall of a living room or hall. It goes well with contrasting backgrounds – dove gray, indigo, or creamy white – and with raw materials such as linen, wood, clay, or matte ceramics. It can be combined with a hand-woven rug, mirrors in patinated frames, or a framed collection of vintage posters to create an eclectic arrangement reminiscent of theatrical and artistic circles. See less