Gorgeous photos and insightful text introduce the work of today's foremost Noh mask artist, actor, and teacher.Noh master Michishige Udaka (the only living actor to continue to make masks while still performing and teaching), presents 32 of the more than 200 masks he's created, accompanied by revelatory text about the masks and the simple yet nuanced ancient dramatic art of Noh. Best-selling author Ruth Ozeki, who studied Noh theater with Udaka in Japan, has contributed a new Foreword to the paperback edition.

A remarkable combination of superb artistry, sophisticated design, and a lengthy history of continuous usage sets the masks of the Noh theater of Japan apart from all others. That so little is known outside of Japan about their great beauty and brilliant craftsmanship prompted the author to undertake the two decades of study, research, and writing that has culminated in this work. The result is nearly 800 pages of text and images published in a two-volume boxed edition limited to 1200 copies. Volume 1 consists of an extended treatise on the history of Noh and the evolution of its masks, including mask forms and functions, types and roles, nomenclature and taxonomy, mask carvers and their lineages, signatures, and other markings. It includes plot and character synopses of the plays most often staged as well as others rarely performed, with particulars about the masks used by various troupes for the principal roles. Volume 2 is an album showcasing in full color over 140 of the finest masks of Noh, both ancient and more recent, with detailed information on their creation, character, and significance, as well as photos of their backs showing inscriptions and artists' signatures. An ext... [Read More]

“Intrepid journalist and novelist William T. Vollman’s colossal body of work stands unsurpassed for its range, moral imperative, and artistry.”—Booklist William T. Vollmann, the National Book Award–winning author of Europe Central, offers a charming, evocative, and piercing examination of the ancient Japanese tradition of Noh theatre and the keys it holds to our modern understanding of beauty.  Kissing the Mask is the first major book on Noh by an American writer since the 1916 publication the classic study Pisan Cantos and the Noh by Ezra Pound. But Kissing the Mask is pure Vollman—illustrated with photos by the author with provocative related side-discussions on femininity, transgender, kabuki, pornography, geishas, and more.

“Intrepid journalist and novelist William T. Vollman’s colossal body of work stands unsurpassed for its range, moral imperative, and artistry.”—Booklist William T. Vollmann, the National Book Award–winning author of Europe Central, offers a charming, evocative, and piercing examination of the ancient Japanese tradition of Noh theatre and the keys it holds to our modern understanding of beauty.  Kissing the Mask is the first major book on Noh by an American writer since the 1916 publication the classic study Pisan Cantos and the Noh by Ezra Pound. But Kissing the Mask is pure Vollman—illustrated with photos by the author with provocative related side-discussions on femininity, transgender, kabuki, pornography, geishas, and more.

A near fine copy or perhaps a little better. Has an original very tiny lightly off-color glaze thin about 1/4 inch long spot and a little edgwear at very edge on the spine. It was in the publisher's shrinkwrap which I took off to examine the edition and coyright, etc. on the book and then discovered that it is not a perfect copy but close to it. A fascinating full color reference of the robes and masks and history . etc.

Kabuki is a colorful traditional theater that has attracted worldwide attention alongside other forms of classical Japanese culture like the Noh and Kyogen theaters and the tea ceremony, but is also as fun and entertaining as “cool” culture like manga and anime. “Photographic Kabuki Kaleidoscope” is a completely bilingual book in Japanese and English with a wealth of photographs of actors, wigs, costumes, props and other features of kabuki. Each page makes you feel like you are in the kabuki theater. Written by kimono researcher Rinko Kimino, it has been supervised by young kabuki star Somegoro Ichikawa with a complete translation by Mark Oshima. Kabuki began at the beginning of the 17th century as an exotic dance review by a woman named Izumo no Okuni. But when her dances were copied by prostitutes and this led to fights, women were banned from the public stage as a threat to public order. When kabuki was performed again, it was with all male performers, and the female roles were played by actors called onnagata. A wide variety of wigs, costumes, make-up and acting techniques were developed for men to seem like woman. And as the range of kabuki drama expanded, so did the r... [Read More]

Noh Fans are an essential element element of Japanese theater and this collection of fans is a rare example of this fine Japanese art.The chief purpose of Painted Fans of Japan is to present for Westerners some of the gorgeous paintings found on fans used in the traditional Japanese Non drama. Painting as limited to conform to the fan shape has teen practiced for hundreds of years in Japan, even by such immortal artists as Sotatsu and Korin. Until now, however, there has been no popularly available volume of reproductions to reveal the almost limitless possibilities in color, design, and perspective within this restricted form of painting.The artists whose works are reproduced in this book are unknown, and the time when the works were painted can only he estimated as early (1601-1741), middle (1742-1791), or late (1792-1867) Tokugawa, the period of Japanese history that extended from the beginning of the seventeenth century to well past the middle of the nineteenth.

Product Description: The Full Face Mask in Japanese Style Old Man face Tengu Face Mask, Very Traditional Style and Wonder ling time When You Wearing This Mask For Halloween Party ,Costume Party, Cosplay, Fancy Collection. Item specifics Condition :New without tags: A brand-new, unused, and unworn item Gender:Adult Unisex Material:Plastic Size:One Size Full Face Theme:Ghost Big nose old man Modified Item:No Color: Dark Gray Occasion:party,fun,celebration holiday Style: Face Mask Material: Plastic

KitsuneSkeleton in Japanese Fox Costume FigurinePart of the Furrybones collection designed by Misaki SawadaMade from resinApproximately 3.25 inches tall (8 cm)Includes original manufacturers box and packagingMade by YTC

The fans are able to fold, storage won't be a problem with these fans. Lightweight and easy to use. Keep one in your purse or pocket, it will fit in either! Measurements: 9.5"(H) x 16" (L) when opened. Incredibly light and made out of nylon. These fans are a great for parties or a gift for someone. Beat the summertime heat with our fans! Package included 12 assorted folding fans (at random

This American Werewolf in London Theater Jack Mask Adult Halloween Accessory is perfect for your next Halloween costume. Make it scary, fun or a mix of the two — just make it