The mask of a male dignitary or prince is of portrait quality, the individual features being attained by careful repousse work, his moustache, beard and eyebrows being incised.

Small holes to the sides would have held strings to keep the mask in place during burial, in which the figure was customarily laid on its side. An edict passed in November of 1018 AD by the fifth Emperor Shengzong prohibited the use of gold, silver or precious stones for burial purposes, and as the mask is of obviously fine quality, it can safely be assumed that it was made after that date.