Japanese Noh Masks

As Noh is an art form that utilizes masks, there is a great variety of them. There were originally about 60 basic types of noh masks, but today there are well over 200 different kinds in use. Covering the face with a mask is much like wearing makeup. Taking into account the status of a certain noh, the noh performer will carefully choose a noh mask, known also as a noh-men or omote. In the end, it is up to the shite (lead actor) to make the final choice as to which mask is used.

Origin of the Noh Mask Exactly when the noh mask came into being is not entirely clear however it is believed that masks, and their names still used today, were developed from the mid to latter part of the Muromachi period ( ). Before that time, the mask had stronger religious connotations. It was during the Muromachi period that the religious significance of the masks began to fade and they took on more human characteristics. Between the end of the Muromachi period and the modern age the art of making noh masks was established as a hereditary art with a long lineage. Following the establishment of noh mask making families, the stylization of noh masks significantly advanced. Even today there are many independent mask makers.

Noh masks, like costumes and props, are extremely valuable heirlooms and handed down from generation to generation. After having the costume put on, the shite then goes to the kagami no ma (mirror room) where in front of a mirror, the shite faces the mask. In putting the mask on, the word kaburu (putting on clothing) is not used. Instead the word kakeru (to hang) or tsukeru (to attach) is used. A noh mask does not entirely cover a performer’s face when it is being worn. In fact, it is best if part of the chin shows. Also, as the eye holes of the mask are very small, the field of vision of the performer is very limited when wearing the mask. Consequently the simple design of the stage and the use of hashira (pillars) assists in helping the performer know their location during a performance.

Image copyright has been released into the public domain

Okina

Kokushiki-jo

Fudo (Ghost mask)

Ko-jishi (Demon mask)

O-beshimi (Demon mask)

O-akujo (Demon mask)

O-tobide (Demon mask)

Ko-jo (Human mask)

Warai-jo (Human mask)

Chu-jo (Human mask)

Ju-roku (Human mask)

Heita (Human mask)