Note

Finishing the carving
After the cutting the forehead, nose, upper and lower lips are carved with patterns. Lastly the position of the eyes is decided. The finish carving is done comparing the mask working in progress with that already completed as an example. After finishing the carving the mask is punctured for the opening of the eyes, nose and mouth. The carving and finishing of the back of mask are important because this will determine the weight and wearing for the performer.

Coloring and coating
Completed the carving, the whiting made of crushed shells is applied to give the mask the ground color. After the repeated whiting, the mask is colored with the black ink and vermilion. For the coloring it is important “antique” the mask. If it is not enough “antiqued”, the mask gives off reflection and is too bright when worn for performances. And if the mask is not antiqued, when it is displayed on the wall it may give the viewer an uneasy impression. Since antiquities the method of “antiquing” a noh mask has been considered as important a secret as “hitting the mask”.