A Noh mask is an extremely stylized art form which dates back to the feudal period of Japan . The Noh Mask is used by performers, to set their moods. Each Noh Mask is a manifestation of elegant simplicity and rustic tranquillity. People who carve these kinds of masks spend a lot of time making them perfect, to symbolize their moods. The first completed mask was used by an actor on stage in the 14th century. There are nearly eighty different characters depicted by the mask used by traditional Noh masks. Only a few skilled Japanese craftsman have the ability to create an authentic Noh mask, using the traditional Japanese wood carving techniques. Master carvers in Japan must commit their work to individual Noh performers, so very little time is permitted for making extra masks for collector. Making a Noh mask can range in time from a few weeks to several months from start to finish. I decided to make a Noh mask because I liked the idea of the performers in the 14th century, using the first Noh mask ever created because I am studying Feudal Japan in my Humanities class right now. And the fact that the carvers spent so much time on making the Noh masks is something that I appreciate.

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