Noh.

Early 20th century Japanese Noh theatre mask of Zo-Onna (coming to our online store soon)

With its origins in the 14th century, Noh is the oldest surviving form of Japanese theatre. It combines music, dance and acting to communicate Buddhist themes.

Noh plays are extremely intense. In order to express something so abstract as an emotion, words are often inadequate. Dance and poetry are used and, like classical ballet, every movement is choreographed and often symbolic.

Masks play a central role in Noh theatre and are worn only by the main character. For the Noh actor, the mask of a particular character has an almost magical power. The mask helps to raise emotion out of the ordinary, to freeze it in time. Before putting it on, the actor will look at it until they feel the emotion absorbed within themselves. When they then put on the mask, their individuality recedes and they is nothing but the emotion to be depicted.

Noh masks are carved from single piece of wood, typically hinoki, and painted with natural pigments. There are 60 types and over 400 different masks, each with their own distinctive name.