Noh is a traditional Japanese theater art with a legacy that continues today. This form of classical dance-drama has been performed since the 14th century and is still regularly practiced today. It's often based on stories in traditional literature and involves the supernatural, with masks as an integral part of the performance. These wooden masks are artworks in their own right, and artisans work to craft, and ultimately transform, them into characters. Now, a fascinating documentary reveals the involved process that artisan Mitsue Nakamura goes through to carve and paint each mask.
Nakamura begins with a block of Japanese cypress and uses cutting tools to form it into the mask’s rough shape. She then refines and smooths its surface inch by inch, breaking and chiseling the wood to form a nose, lips, and eyes. It’s a meticulous process that involves constant refinement until the mask is smooth and ready to be painted.
With the wood carving complete, Nakamura applies coating and lacquers to the Noh mask, continuing the tradition by mixing a concoction that contains seashell powder and rice glue. Afterward, she hand-blends pigments and takes care to blacken the teeth. This practice is known as ohaguro, a custom that existed since the Heian period in the 8th century.
You don't need to see the process to know that Noh masks are incredible. But watching Nakamura—one of a growing number of female artisans—work with such skill and care is awe-inspiring.
Watch the mesmerizing documentary from Process X below.
Noh is a traditional Japanese theater art with a legacy that continues today, and masks as an integral part of the performance.
A fascinating documentary reveals the involved process that artisan Mitsue Nakamura goes through to carve and paint each mask.
Nakamura begins with a block of Japanese cypress and uses cutting tools to form it into the mask’s rough shape.
She then refines and smooths its surface, inch by inch, breaking and chiseling the wood to form a nose, lips, and eyes.
Nakamura hand-mixes the pigment used to paint the mask and brings the character to life.
The final result is incredible and a testament to her work.
Watch the entire process in a mesmerizing documentary.
h/t: [Colossal]
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