Noh masks are carved from blocks of Japanese cypress and painted with natural pigments on a neutral base of glue and crushed seashell. There are approximately 450 different masks mostly based on sixty types, all of which have distinctive names. Some masks are representative and frequently used in many different plays, while some are very specific and may only be used in one or two plays. Noh masks signify the characters’ gender, age, and social ranking, and by wearing masks the actors may portray youngsters, old men, female, divine or demonic characters.
Noh masks are hand-carved wooden masks used in Noh theater, one of Japan’s oldest performing arts, dating back to the 14th century. Each mask represents a character and conveys human emotions.
They include young women (Ko-omote), old men (Okina), demons (Hannya), spirits, and deities. Each mask type plays a specific role in telling traditional stories.
Their carving creates an optical illusion: tilted upward, they appear joyful; tilted downward, they look sad or pensive. This subtlety is central to the performance’s emotional depth.
Masks carved between 1940 and 1990 remain faithful to traditional techniques, often signed by skilled artisans. Though not as ancient as medieval masks, they are still prized for their artistry and uniqueness.
Because each mask is a one-of-a-kind work of art, blending theater, spirituality, and cultural history. Collectors value them not just as performance items but as timeless expressions of Japanese artistry.