"Grimacing: A Fascinating Display of Expressions Across Time and Cultures" From the clown heads on nine Victorian scraps to the brown capuchin monkey displaying submissive behavior in Peru, it has long been a captivating form of expression. Whether it is captured in an etching, aquatint & drypoint like the Bobalicon (Silly Idiot) from 1864 or depicted on a traditional Japanese woodblock portraying actors' faces, this facial contortion evokes intrigue and curiosity. The Hudok Neng Kayan mask with its mixed media composition transports us to another world, where grimaces take on a spiritual significance. Similarly, the One Person, Six Expressions artwork by Kobayashi Kiyochika showcases the versatility of human emotions through six different expressions. In c. 1771, Nakamura Nakazo I and Ichikawa Komazo I brought their theatrical prowess to life as they portrayed characters with intense grimaces. The Toy Cart with Grimacing Potbellied Dwarf (Yaksha), dating back to the first century B. C. , reminds us that even ancient cultures found amusement in exaggerated facial features. Thomas Rowlandson's Discomforts of an Epicure from 1787 humorously captures how even indulgence can lead to discomforting grimaces. Meanwhile, a Portrait Vessel of a Figure with Grimacing Face dating between 100 B. C. And A. D. 500 demonstrates how this expression transcends time. Finally, we witness Nakamura Nakazo's debut as Ko no Moronao in June 1786—a role that surely demanded powerful grimaces on stage. Grimacing serves as a universal language that connects us across centuries and continents—whether expressed by clowns or monkeys, actors or artists—and invites us into a world where emotions are vividly displayed for all to see.