Discover the Art of Crafting Noh Masks in Japan
The theatrical art form known as ‘Noh’ dates back to the 14th century in Japan. Typically there are no words spoken in Noh theatre, so the masks do the heavy lifting of portraying emotions and personalities. These masks are important for helping the audience understand the nuances of the characters.
Unsurprisingly, the artisans who make these ornate masks often use traditional techniques and hand tools. Often working with chisels, saws, gouges, and knives to create their pieces.
This fascinating video shows Nakamura Mitsue embarking on this intricate process from start to finish. It’s fascinating to see how she fashions these cultural artefacts from a solid block of wood. The skill of doing this for 40-years makes it look easy..