“‘The art form of noh, magisterial and distilled, demands masks of the greatest beauty and the most focussed imagination: in this book we see the masterful Kitazawa Hideta at work, performing his miracles of carving and finish, the mere sight of which ushers us into the unique world of Noh. I have never seen Kyogen, but the masks alone convey an irresistible sense of comedy. Richard Emmert and Jannette Cheong have laboured tirelessly, in numberless ways, to create bridges between Western culture and these profoundly rewarding manifestations of a deeply different society: the present volume must count as one of the most useful and most beautiful of their initiatives.’ ”
Click here to see The Guardian Online in Pictures which featured Kitazawa’ Book on 21 October 2024
NOH AND KYOGEN MASKS
Tradition and Modernity in the Art of Hideta Kitazawa
A Japanese Traditional Craftsman of Classical and Contemporary Theatre
Written and Edited by Jannette Cheong and Richard Emmert
Featuring breathtaking photographs of masks created by a renowned twenty-first-century craftsman, this book provides a unique perspective into noh and kyogen, two of the oldest surviving forms of theater in the world.
Kitazawa Hideta is a traditional Japanese master craftsman, Shinto-temple carver and mask maker for both classical noh and kyogen theater. This gorgeous volume features more than sixty of his performance masks, presented in striking full-page photographs that allow readers to appreciate their level of detail. These meticulous creations are carved from hinoki wood, decorated with layers of gesso-paint, and thin watercolor antiquing, and sometimes include materials such as horsehair and gold paint. Readers are introduced first to classical and then to contemporary noh and kyogen masks and are invited into Hideta’s workshop to explore the characteristics of the wood he uses, and the processes of creating, restoring, and wearing the masks. An overview of the basic elements of noh and kyogen theater, and reflections from museums that have worked with Kitazawa, complete this vibrant, immersive journey that celebrates the work of a contemporary artist who is not only preserving a centuries-old theatrical tradition, but also remaking it for modern audiences.
Hardcover, 224 pages, 24,0 x 30,0 cm, 9.4 x 11.8 in, 168 color illustrations
ISBN: 978-3-7913-7753-7
Published:
UK September 03, 2024
US October 08, 2024
The book has an inspiring Foreword by Simon Callow, and Hamish Todd, Head of the East Asian Department at the British Library, has written the Preface.
Kitazawa has carved masks for the majority of the English language noh plays that have been created in the USA, the UK and Australia.
Co-authored and edited by contemporary noh poet and playwright, Jannette Cheong and internationally renowned noh composer, director, performer and teacher, Richard Emmert.
“Among the recent British Library noh events, we have had the privilege of seeing the noh mask maker, Kitazawa Hideta in action as he demonstrated and explained his craft with his characteristic good humour and engaging delivery.
This volume of Kitazawa-san’s masks helps us not only to recognise his unique artistic skills and passion for his work, but also opens up a window into noh and kyogen through the mask as one of this performance art’s most important aspects.
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