Noh Mask / Warai-jo (Smiling Elder)

Product Description : Why is it so EXPENSIVE?

Product Story

General Product Information

"These custom-made Noh masks are made to order.
It is a mask of a smiling old man. We have commercialized Noh masks, which are used only in Noh plays, in order to deliver them to people all over the world. For those of you who love monsters and ghosts, why don't you display them in your rooms?

 Product History

When did these crafts start to craft?：700 years ago / 1300AD / Kamakura period in Japan

Noh masks are masks used in Nohgaku, one of Japan's traditional performing arts. Nohgaku was once on the verge of extinction, but has been preserved as a traditional art form by the Emperor of Japan and has been handed down to the present day. Noh masks are a comprehensive art form that requires study of techniques from all fields of art, including sculpture, Japanese painting, metal forging, dyeing, and, in some cases, hair dressing and makeup.

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

Ichiyu Terai
At the age of 22, he studied under Takano Yuikan. Since then, he has been active as a Noh mask maker in Kyoto for more than 50 years. He is one of the few Noh mask makers in the modern era who handcrafts all processes of Noh masks. Terai's Noh masks have been selected not only by collectors, but also by museums and Noh performers, and have long been used in events at temples and shrines throughout the Kansai region. We also sell Noh masks to the general public in order to introduce them to people overseas.

Craftsman Passion

"First of all, you have to keep doing something with conviction, and by doing so, it will surely take shape."
Originally, I had no intention of becoming a Noh mask craftsman, but I just kept on doing "making things". Then I gradually gained recognition from the people around me, and here I am today. I believe that believing in yourself and continuing to do what you do is the best part of life!

Achievement

Produced Japan's largest Noh mask 'Masume'
Held solo exhibitions in Canada, Germany, U.S.A., and other countries
Advisor to the Japan Noh Mask Art Association

 

Your Contribution to Craftsman

Customer Voice

Due to the market structure (link for full articles are attached bottom), craftsman have not known who the customer is and how customer reacts to their work. We made a “Message to Craftsman” box at purchase page. We will deliver all message to every craftsman. Our review will be also shared to craftsman so please leave your comment and evaluation on review section!

Income for Craftsman: Craftsman get only less than 10% of selling price?

As written above, craftsman have not controlled last phase of sales channel that resulting in selling price is set by third-party without craftsman’s recognition. There are some cases that only less than 10% of selling price is given to craftsman. We promise with our customer / craftsman that we offer the fair trade with craftsmen in our contract!

We made an article about above problem and our challenge. Please have a read from below link
Current state of the Crafts Market / Benefits brought by Suigenkyo

Measurement

Width：22cm
Depth：16cm
Height：8.5cm
Weight：150g～300g

Material & Caution

Materials

Wood

 

Caution

Individual Difference

Each piece is handmade, so there are individual differences even in the same series. We hope that you will understand the change by handmade.

Delivery Date

Please note that it will take about 4 months for delivery if we do not have the item in stock.