Noh masks.Beyond the face.

A guide to Noh mask types, meanings and craftsmanship. Begin with the face, then look at the role it brings to life.
Browse mask profiles

Waka-onna mask, shown in an angled view against black

Woman masks

Faces of youth, maturity and changing states of feeling.

Shown: Waka-onna
Chūjō mask, shown in an angled view against black

Male masks

Young men, warriors, nobles and elders, each with a distinct character.

Shown: Chūjō
Hannya mask in an angled view, with its full horns visible

Spirit masks

Ghosts, demons and divine beings. Faces of transformation.

Shown: Hannya

These groups offer a starting point. A mask’s meaning also belongs to its character, play and use in performance.

Mask profiles · A–Z

Explore the masks.

Meet the characters behind the faces. Explore the mask profiles in this growing guide.

The art of looking

Read the face.

Look at the carving, then the light around it. A Noh mask’s expression changes with the way it is seen.

Detail of a Rōjo mask showing the eye opening and the shadow beneath the brow

Light gives depth.

Follow the curve of the brow and the edge of the eye opening. Light reveals the carved shape; shadow gives it depth.

Rōjo · Eye detail
Myōga-akujō mask seen from below, showing the effect of the viewing angle

Angle changes expression.

A different viewpoint changes the relationship between the eyes, nose and mouth. In performance, consider that changing face alongside the character and the play.

Myōga-akujō · Seen from below

Craft & performance

From wood
to stage.

Proportion and carving establish age and character. Hollowing the reverse controls thickness, balance and fit; ground layers, pigments and applied details finish the surface.

On stage, movement, light and the performer’s use of the mask bring that carved form into a dramatic role.

Explore care and display

From the collection

  • Kokushikijō / 黒式尉 — Noh Mask

    Kokushikijō

    黒式尉

    € 290,00 Available
    View & purchase — Kokushikijō / 黒式尉 — Noh Mask