Today was our final day of proper class and we met the last two artisans – the Noh Mask maker Otsuki Kokun and the head of a Noh costume textile company Sasaki-san. I enjoyed both visits for the same reason why I liked meeting Gakyu Miyamoto. As someone who has created many different types of art, I can learn a lot from these craftsmen about technique, which then inspires me to improve my own art. I don’t doubt that what I have learned on this trip will influence my future work.
Kokun-sensei displayed a collection of his masks and spoke with us about the differences between them and what attracted him to Noh masks. He was initially exploring sculpting and was told to try maskmaking because it was “easy”. But he wanted to capture the subtlety in expression of Noh masks, which may appear different on stage depending on lighting and movement. He explained to us how some masks incorporate metal or horse hair. He also showed us some experimental masks of his, which are not explicitly made for the theatre but nonetheless have Noh in mind. Kokun-sensei emphasized that the maskmaking process should not be separated from the performance, which is why he underwent training for singing and Noh performance.
Sasaki-san’s textile company demonstrated a similar level of commitment to the craft in that the company relies on many dedicated individuals who toil every day weaving and embroidering fabrics. We walked on narrow planks of wood between gargantuan wooden looms mounted by men rhythmically pressing thread and gold through the weaving to create elaborate designs. I loved seeing all of the colors of the silk thread blending together.
I was grateful that Professor Monica Bethe was with us throughout the day to provide her expertise and to translate our questions to the artisans. I was particularly happy when she was able to relay back and forth in my conversation with Kokun-sensei about his technique for making Noh masks. I definitely learned a lot that will be useful when I take Intro to Sculpture at Williams next semester.
We closed the day by practicing our presentations, which we have to deliver tomorrow. I’m not nervous, but I haven’t accepted yet that our journey in Japan is almost over. I’ve had a wonderful time since we’ve arrived and I will want to return to Kyoto in the future. But I’ll try not to get too sentimental as long as I’m still here.
