Oni Inspired Mask

Commissioned for the cover of a magazine, this wearable oni-inspired (Demon) mask was created as the centrepiece of an issue exploring the theme Looking Back. The editorial concept called for a traditionally sculpted piece, celebrating the enduring value of hand craftsmanship.

Drawing inspiration from Japanese Kabuki theatre masks and traditional depictions of the oni, the mask had to both look elegant and menacing. Owing to its complexity, the mask was designed as a series of separate components, with the horns and snakes individually sculpted before being assembled into the final piece. The original was sculpted entirely in clay, moulded in silicone, and reproduced through resin slush casting.

The greatest challenge lay in the serpents that are fixed to the sides of the mask. Although sculpted individually, they needed to mirror one another with convincing symmetry. The finished piece combines traditional sculptural techniques with careful engineering to create a wearable object that feels both theatrical and beautiful.