Kagura Mask Painting Experience Set

木彫り神楽面の彩色

Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset "Satokagura"
Kagura mask coloring experience

These kagura masks are of the quality that can actually be used in the "Bicchu Kagura" performed in the Bicchu area of Okayama Prefecture.
We have prepared a set that allows you to color the masks while having the finished product at hand and using it as a reference.

Recommended for people who

  • People who cannot visit Japan very often, but want to feel and know about Japanese culture.
  • People who want the real thing, not folk art
  • People who want something they can take their time to experience.
Click here to purchase

What are Kagura Masks?

Masks for Satokagura performed in various parts of Japan

いろいろな神楽面Masks used in satokagura are called "kagura masks". It is said that kagura masks were influenced by Noh plays and Kyogen plays. There are various types of kagura masks, such as Okina masks, Oni masks, Onna masks, Hyottoko masks, Okame masks, Monkey masks, and Fox masks. Noh masks are the most famous type of mask. Noh masks and kagura masks are similar in many respects. However, Kagura masks are worn for entertainment, so there is a difference in that they include funny elements such as Hyottoko masks and Okame masks. The kagura mask is as valuable as the costumes to the group that protects kagura. We take very good care of the masks that have been passed down from generation to generation. Even if they are damaged, they are repaired and used, or they are molded and duplicated to preserve the tradition. Each region has its own unique characteristics, and one of the charms of kagura masks is that you can enjoy the differences in their characteristics.

How to Make Kagura Masks

Like Noh masks, kagura masks are carved from wood. In the middle of the Meiji period (1868-1912), Japanese paper was used instead of wood in some areas, and "papier-mâché" masks made of Japanese paper appeared.
Compared to wood-carved masks, papier-mâché masks are lighter and therefore easier for dancers to handle. They also have the advantage of being easy for the person making the masks to process and repair.

However, the most common type of kagura masks today are still carved wooden masks. The material used for carved wooden masks is paulownia wood, which is the lightest of all woods. On the other hand, decorative kagura masks are also produced, sometimes using wood such as camphorwood.

Kagura masks are made by skilled craftsmen called "men-uchi-shi (面打師) " or "menchoshi (面彫師)".  The method of making these masks differs depending on the region and the craftsman.
Here, we introduce the production process of a particular kagura mask.


Production Process of Kagura Masks (Wood Carving, Bicchu Kagura)

(1) "Wood-carving (木取り)"

桐の原木In order to prevent distortion, paulownia wood that has been dried for four years or more is usually used. First, the paulownia wood is cut into the required size for the mask.
Paulownia wood is one of the lightest woods, and since masks are worn on the head, the lighter the better, as it is less stressful on the body. In addition, paulownia wood contains very little tar, so it is resistant to stains and uneven coloring, making it suitable for long-term use.

(2) "Rough carving (荒彫り)"

荒彫りThe wood is cut into the shape of the outline of the kagura mask. Rough carving is the most important process, as it determines the quality of the mask.
Based on a paper pattern or a sample mask, the positions of facial parts such as the outline, eyes, nose, and mouth are determined by repeatedly taking measurements. For rough carving, a machete is boldly used. The fine details of the mask are carved with a chisel to create the framework of the entire kagura mask.





(3) "Small work (小作り)"

小作りEach part of the mask is transferred to the roughly carved kagura mask according to the pattern. The surface is carefully carved and shaped with a carving knife or small knife. Drill holes for eyes, nose, and mouth using a drill or other tools.
Finally, the surface is polished with sandpaper to make it smooth to the touch.
Depending on the type of mask, metal hardware may be placed on both eyes.





(4) Coloring




彩色The process of coloring includes a base coat and a finish coat.
The type of paint used varies from region to region and workshop to workshop. In the traditional method, "nikawa (glue)" or "gofun (dried seaweed)" is used for the primer coat. Today, chemical paints are increasingly used due to their superior coloring and durability.
The process of priming is repeated about 15 times, applying paint, allowing it to dry, and then applying the paint again. After that process, the paint is allowed to dry in the shade for about two days. After it is completely dry, it is polished with sandpaper. Next, the same process is repeated about 15 times with the finish coat of paint.

(5) Hair planting, Drilling

毛植えDepending on the type of mask, hairs for the beard and eyebrows are planted. A hole is drilled with a drill, and the root of a bundle of hairs is inserted and fixed with adhesive. The hair is made from long, strong horse tail hair.






Kagura mask coloring experience set

Painting

You can enjoy coloring with the work of a mask craftsman with 45 years of craftsmanship at hand.

Message from Mr. Miyata, Mask Craftsman

面彫師I have been making kagura masks since I was 30 years old, and this year marks my 45th year. I was originally a kagura dancer, but I also became interested in making masks and started making them myself, eventually quitting my job at a company and devoting myself to being a mask carver.
I make kagura masks based on orders not only from my hometown but also from outside the prefecture.
People who are strongly interested in making masks come to learn to make them, but there is a serious shortage of successors. I would be happy if this is an opportunity for foreigners who are interested in kagura masks to pass them on.
I hope that you will take a look at the kagura masks that I have put my heart and soul into and experience a part of traditional Japanese culture.


Three types are available. Please purchase the side of your choice.

Product 1: Takeminakata no Mikoto (健御名方命)


Size and material of the kagura mask

健御名方命のお面サイズ

Size: approx. 250 x 210 mm    Material: paulownia wood, brass
This is not a folk craft, but a craft of a size and material that can actually be used for kagura.


About Takeminakata no Mikoto (建御名方神)

健御名方命Takeminakata no Mikoto (健御名方命), or the god of this kagura mask, is the son of Okuninushi no Mikoto. He boldly challenged Takemikazuchi, the warrior god Takemikazuchi, at the time of the "handover of the land" of Izumo. In the end, he was the deity of Suwa-taisha Shrine, which was enshrined in the land of Suwa. He could be said to be a god of strong military prowess who stood his ground even when outnumbered, and was revered by warlords such as Shingen Takeda.

Product 2: Kushi Inada Hime (奇稲田姫)


Size and material of the kagura mask

櫛稲田姫

Size: approx. 202 x 130 mm Material: paulownia wood, brass
This is not a folk craft, but a craft of a size and material that can actually be used for kagura.


About Kushi Inada Hime

櫛稲田姫The princess in this mask is the eighth daughter of a couple who were plagued by a monster called the eight-forked serpent [Yamata-no-orochi], which ate their daughter every year. Just before she was about to be sacrificed, "Susano no Mikoto (須佐之男命)" offered to slay the eight-forked serpent on the condition that she become his wife. Susano no Mikoto successfully vanquished the eight-forked serpent and married Kushi Inada Hime (奇稲田姫).
She is said to be the goddess of rice paddies, as she is called "Kushi Inada" (meaning "strange rice field").

Product 3: Tajikarao no Mikoto (手力男命)


Size and material of the kagura mask

手力男命のお面サイズ

Size and material of the kagura mask

Size: approx. 185 x 160 mm Material: paulownia wood, brass, horse hair
This is not a folk craft, but a craft of a size and material that can actually be used for kagura.

About Tajikarao no Mikoto

手力男命This masked deity is a very powerful deity. In order to let out "Amaterasu Omikami (天照大御神)," who was hidden in the very heavy "Ama-no-Iwato (天岩戸)", he opened the door with his powerful arm strength at the moment the rock opened a little. For this reason, he is called the god of arms and the god of sports.

Furthermore, it is said that Amaterasu kicked Ama-no-Iwato up into the distance so that she would never enter the Iwato again, and that is how Togakushi Mountain came to be.

How to Enjoy Kagura Masks

  • Learn about the relationship between kagura and kagura masks by referring to DVD and other materials, and experience the mystique of old Japan.
  • The design of kagura masks differs slightly depending on the region and the mask craftsman. You may color the masks as they are finished, or you may create your own original design.
  • Please post your finished work on social networking sites. #original kagura masks
  • Let's put on the masks and dance. You can refer to the DVD that comes with the masks for the choreography.
  • Let's decorate your room. Takeminakata no Mikoto (健御名方命) has the benefit of "rich harvest" and "prosperous business", Kushi Inada Hime (奇稲田姫) has the benefit of "rich harvest" and "marriage", and Tajikarao no Mikoto (手力男命) has the benefit of "improvement in technique" and "protection from evil".


    *There are many different legends and interpretations of the reading and mythology of God's name. This website introduces them in one of them.

 神楽面を楽しむ