Kyoto Noh Mask Artisan: Ichiyu Terai vol.1

In October, we stood in front of a workshop located in a residential area. This workshop belonged to Ichiyu Terai, a Noh mask maker who has refined his craft over more than 50 years.

Noh is a classical Japanese performing art that was perfected during the Muromachi period(1333-1573) and has continued for over 600 years. In this article, we will focus on one Noh mask maker, Ichiyu Terai, who is deeply fascinated by Noh masks and has dedicated his life to crafting them.

This piece explores the world of Noh mask-making through the eyes of Ichiyu Terai, a devoted craftsman based in Kyoto. Noh, a centuries-old Japanese art form, heavily relies on its visual components, particularly the masks. These masks, known for their expressive power, are essential to the performance. Terai's commitment to this intricate craft provides a unique perspective on this enduring Japanese tradition.

Noh Mask Craftsman on Site

As you enter the workshop, a faint smell of wood fills the air, and the atmosphere is cool and quiet, characteristic of such an environment.

In the room where Noh masks are created, various tools are neatly lined up, suggesting that everything is conveniently within reach. On the stairs, piles of wood intended for mask-making catch your eye, and I realize that the pleasant aroma I detected earlier comes from the cypress used in crafting Noh masks.

We were eager to learn more about the fascinating world of Noh mask makers, an area we knew little about. Mr. Terai promptly demonstrated how to apply gold powder.

Gold Powder and Noh Masks

It is not widely known that gold powder is used for Noh masks.

It takes at least three months to complete a Noh mask, and there are many processes involved.
One of them is the lacquering process using our gold powder. This time, he showed us how he painted "Shishi" (lion), which is often used by parents and children.

He said he enjoys the process of applying gold powder after the "carving" process, in which the impression is completely changed by a single stroke of the sword.

"When I apply gold powder, it mitigates the burning effect from the Hinoki cypress. Additionally, Shizendo’s gold powder has excellent stretchability, and a small amount goes a long way, which is incredibly helpful. I am truly impressed by the mysterious depth and beauty that gold
embodies," said Mr. Terai. As one observes his technique, it's remarkable to see the entire face being coated in gold with a single stroke, making it seem as if the amount of gold is actually increasing. Mr. Terai's skillful application and handling of the gold powder add depth to his work with each brush stroke. He relies on his instincts rather than logic, which continues to amaze us.
We were also reminded of gold's unique properties when we discovered that gold powder can prevent the burning of the underlying gold powder, a fact that had previously escaped our notice.

Kyoto Noh Mask Artisan: Ichiyu Terai vol2 Being a Noh mask artist

Metal powders

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Nohmask by Ichiyu Terai | 寺井一佑の能面

2,880時間かけて能面を製作するプロセス。50年以上能面を作り続けるベテラン能面師/Craftsmanship Process - SUIGENKYO