GENSETSU

world of masks

元雪

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Gensetsu -
maskmaker based in Kyoto and Germany.
Masks for sale are order made.
Please feel free to contact for order or more info.

Works: Nohmasks, Kyogenmasks, original masks

Zōonna
Nohmask

Oto
Kyogenmask
made for Kyogen performer Senzaburô Shigeyama

Koomote
Nohmask

Buaku
Kyogenmask
made for Kyogen performer Senzaburô Shigeyama

About
Gensetsu learned traditional Noh mask making as an apprentice of Noh mask maker Genpaku Kitazawa in Kyoto. Her full Noh mask makers’ name is Gensetsu Kitazawa.
She has been making masks ever since she moved to Kyoto in 2019.
Before her apprenticeship, she studied Fine Arts at the Art Academy Düsseldorf. This background in the contemporary art field is for her the incentive for both carrying on a highly traditional craft and developing new forms.

How it is made
Gensetsu crafts her Noh and Kyogen masks in the traditional way: first carving the form out of a Hinoki (jp. cypress) wood block with chisels and then painting it with Nihonga pigments and ink on the front, and Urushi (jp. lacquer) on the backside. She basically applies this technique also to her own original masks.

Carving Lessons
Gensetsu teaches Noh mask making in Kyoto including basic carving and painting techniques - so please feel welcome even without any carving and painting experience!
Fees:
2 lessons /month 6500 Yen
3 lessons /month 9500 Yen
4 lessons /month 12000 Yen
Each lesson lasts 3 hrs and takes place in a group. (Private lessons are also available)
*not included: costs for material and tools. (You can lend tools in your first lessons)
Gensetsu teaches in Japanese, English and German.
Please feel welcome to contact for more info.

Order
Custom orders can be made by individuals of the Noh theatre and other traditional performing arts such as Kyogen and Bugaku. Gensetsu also offers her skills for requests from performers of other disciplines and collectors.
Please feel welcome to contact for more info.