Noh Mask Knowledge Base | Types, Craft & Guides

BROWSE BY TYPE

Explore Noh Masks by Category

Begin with one of the main mask groups, then explore the individual masks, characters and variations within that category.

Woman Masks

Explore masks portraying women of different ages, personalities and dramatic conditions, from serene young women to transformed spirits.

Explore woman masks

Male Masks

Discover masks representing young men, warriors, nobles, commoners and other male characters found throughout the Noh repertoire.

Explore male masks

Spirit Masks

Examine masks used for ghosts, demons, deities and supernatural beings whose appearances express powerful emotions and transformations.

Explore spirit masks

FROM THE ENCYCLOPEDIA

Featured Mask Profiles

Begin with a selection of individual Noh masks. Each profile examines the mask’s appearance, dramatic role, variations and use in performance.

FEATURED PROFILE

Hannya 般若

Explore the identifying features, dramatic function, variations and performance history of the Hannya mask.

Read full profile

WOMAN MASK

Ko-omote 小面

A focused profile of the mask’s design, character type and use on stage.

Explore profile

ELDER MASK

Okina 翁

Examine the mask’s visual characteristics, context and performance use.

Explore profile

POWERFUL BEING

Shikami 獅噛

Learn how the mask can be identified and how it functions in performance.

Explore profile

WOMAN MASK

Deigan 泥眼

Discover the mask’s distinctive details, related forms and dramatic roles.

Explore profile

View all mask profiles

LOOKING BEYOND THE FIXED FACE

How to Read a Noh Mask

A Noh mask does not present one unchanging expression. Its appearance develops through angle, movement, light and the dramatic circumstances in which it is used.

Begin with angle and light

Look at how the mask is held. A slight upward or downward movement changes the shadows around the eyes, cheeks and mouth, altering how the expression is perceived.

Examine the carved features

Study the eyes, mouth, brows and facial planes. Small differences in their shape, tension and depth help distinguish one mask type from another.

Place the mask in context

The face alone is not a complete explanation. Its meaning also depends on the character, mask category, play and way it is handled by the performer.

Read the complete guide

The complete expression

Eyes, angle and shadow

Mouth, carving and surface

CRAFT & CONSTRUCTION

From Wood to Stage

A Noh mask’s character begins long before it reaches the performer. Its proportions, carving, hollowing and surface treatment all influence the expression ultimately seen on stage.

A closer view of the material, construction and surface of a Noh mask.

Establish the Form

The mask’s overall proportions establish its age, character type and visual presence before finer details are introduced.

Carve and Hollow

The face is shaped from the front while the reverse is carefully hollowed to control thickness, balance and fit.

Build the Surface

Ground layers, pigment, texture and carefully applied details give the carved wooden form its final character.

Bring It to Performance

The finished mask is activated by movement, angle, lighting and the relationship between performer and audience.

Explore craftsmanship and materials

FROM THE KNOWLEDGE BASE TO THE COLLECTION

Explore Masks from the Collection

Continue your study through selected masks currently available from the collection. Each listing includes detailed photographs, dimensions and information about the individual mask.

View the complete collection