Noh mask

About

Masks carry stories in their lines and the Noh stage turns those stories into living expression. This Noh mask collection focuses on crafted profiles, subtle paint, and reliable comfort for performance, display, and creative shoots. For visitors exploring related silhouettes and characters, the wider selection sits here under Japanese mask styles so navigation stays intuitive while the craft remains front and center. Read more What are the differents Japanese Noh Masks? Noh theater masks are divided into five categories: Japanese spirits mask, Japanese mask men, Japanese mask women, Japanese demon mask, and old men Japanese mask. Those used today are copies of ancient masterpieces. These original Noh masks have been kept in Noh houses for generations. Carved from cypress wood (hinoki) and painted, they constitute the 60 basic masks. In total, there are 250 masks. In Noh, only the main actors wear lacquered wooden masks whose features and expressions define the character and synthesize the atmosphere of a play. The hieratic slowness of the movements associated with the sumptuousness of very elaborate costumes allows the actor to communicate various emotions under the unchanged aspect of the face. The head movements of the actor, pre-established by a code and conventions, express the diversity of the states of mind. These attitudes are enhanced by the play of shadows and light, which allows to communicate a fleeting emotion and to enhance the crucial moment of the action. The distinctive features of the masks associated with the softness of the volumes and colors thus participate in a search for balance. A realism nuanced with symbolism thus contributes to the expressionism which constitutes the essence of the Noh mask. Noh mask heritage, character language, and why this collection matters Noh evolved as a disciplined theater that values restraint, poise, and the quiet power of suggestion known as yūgen. Each role uses a distinct omote, the formal name for a stage fac