The Mask Maker

Oil on Canvas 9 in x 12 in / 23 cm x 30.5 cm

Noh is a form of classical Japanese dance-drama. It has been performed on stage for the past 700 years. Noh plays are often based on tales from traditional literature and may have a supernatural being transformed into human form as the hero of the story. The Noh masks are very distinctive and are are carved from blocks of Japanese cypress and painted with natural pigments on a base of glue and crushed seashell. For some reason I saw an old rabbit with glasses carving and painting masks in his studio, with countless draws and cubby holes and pots for storing the tools of his trade. Standing on the drawers to the right, and holding a lantern, is a Tanuki (or Japanese badger). They are happily forgetful creatures who are adept at disguise and shape shifting in their absent-minded way.