This book is the first work in English to explain all important aspects of the most beautiful and sophisticated masks in the world. Noh masks evolved in Japan over several centuries from folk and religious masks into the highly expressive tools worn in the world’s oldest surviving stage art, Noh drama.
Volume I begins with an overview of the origins of Japanese masks and traces the social forces and artistic trends that catalyzed the development of Noh masks. A brief introduction to Noh, supplemented by synopses of more than 40 plays, gives readers unfamiliar with this classical drama the perspective necessary to understand the crucial role of Noh masks.
The 400 pages of text also explore in detail:
o traditional carving and painting techniques;
o the form, function, and symbolism of Noh masks;
o the origin of their names and systems for classification;
o distinguishing features and stage usage of each type;
o a history of Noh-mask carvers and the mask-carving guilds;
o signatures, inscriptions, and other markings;
o the tradition of copying older masks and the problem of forgeries; and
o accoutrements.
More than 80 black-and-white photographs illustrate various Noh and other masks, as well as the markings commonly found on the backs of Noh masks. Volume I concludes with a glossary covering approximately 130 terms, an extensive bibliography, and an index with more than 1,100 entries.
Volume II showcases 145 antique Noh masks. A high-resolution color photograph of the front and a black-and-white photograph of the back introduce each mask. Detailed commentary explains the defining characteristics, period of fabrication, any unusual features, and the meaning of markings and inscriptions. Also included are photographs of traditional accoutrements, such as silk storage bags.
The author, a graduate of Stanford University with a degree in Asian studies, lived in Japan for 15 years and speaks fluent Japanese. In the course of writing the book, he examined more than a 1,000 Noh masks, interviewed scholars and collectors, and was privileged to meet on numerous occasions the grandmasters of the Kongō and Umewaka troupes.
The two hard-cover volumes, totaling nearly 800 pages, come in a custom book case and shipping box. The deluxe edition is limited to 1,200 copies.