Noh Mask / Warai-jo (Smiling Elder)

"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?

Width：22cmDepth：16cmHeight：8.5cmWeight：150g～300g

Wood

ICHIYU TERAI

"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!

ARTISAN STORY

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.

ACHIEVEMENTS

・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

NOHMEN / JAPANESE NOH MASKS

About 650 years ago / 1300s / Muromachi Period (1336–1573)

Noh masks draw on older Japanese ritual and theatrical masks but took their classical forms as Noh matured in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Standard types represent women, old men, demons, gods and other roles. Mask carvers shape cypress and apply gofun and mineral pigments with extraordinary restraint.

In Japan, Noh masks are famous for appearing almost expressionless yet changing emotion with tiny movements of the actor’s head. They remain working stage objects, while historic masks are also treasured as major works of art.

The secret lies in calculated asymmetry and shadow. Mouth corners, eye depth and cheek volume may differ by tiny amounts. Tilting the mask upward—teru, “to shine”—can make it appear brighter, while lowering it—kumoru, “to cloud”—suggests sorrow. The sculpture is designed to be animated by light.

Individual Differences

As each piece is individually handcrafted, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and texture may occur. These subtle differences are a natural characteristic of handcrafted works, making each piece truly unique. We hope you will enjoy these individual variations as part of the beauty and character of Japanese craftsmanship.

Production Time

If an item is not currently in stock, it may be made to order by the artisan. As each piece is carefully handcrafted, production may take several months depending on the item and the artisan's schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding.