Author: Alyson Richman
Publisher:
Penguin Group, New York. USA 2000.
ISBN:
978-0-425-26726-4
Pages: 363
The art of Noh from the carver’s perspective
©
Copyright. JapaneseCustomer.com, 2015. All
rights reserved.
Alyson
Richman shares a wonderful story of a boy adopted into a family of Noh mask
carvers who picks up the trade handed down by generations of the same family.
The
story is based in Daigo a town three hours from Kyoto we learn about daily
family life, nature, house routines (folding up futons and buck wheat pillows)
and the role of each family member.
From
the perspective of culture we gain first hand insights into Noh, its history,
the components of a performance and the different kind of masks for each
performer. The carver’s life provides a view into the world
of wood and tools, how to pick wood, what types of wood is used and how to
carve a mask using a range of tools.
The
traditions of naming a baby after birth and the Shinto ceremony involved and
the impact of Buddhist traditions on daily life to always remember and honour
the dead.
An
interesting story that weaves between the characters, culture, life in Kyoto,
strong traditions and the secret passions of a young boy.
Book Review – The
Mask Carvers Son by Alyson Richman
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