An art in its own right
Japanese masks are made from a variety of materials, like wood, paper mache, or clay. Each material has its own unique properties. For example, wood is often used for more detailed masks, while paper mache is used for more lightweight and portable masks.
Japanese masks are appreciated for their intricate and detailed designs. Some masks feature elaborate patterns and some are adorned with decorative elements like jewels. The craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into creating these masks is amazing, making them true pieces of art.
Masks in popular culture
Today, Japanese masks are still used in a variety of contexts, including in traditional performances and festivals.
With modern popular culture rising among young people, new trends emerge but masks are not left apart: for instance, they are used by cosplayers to personify their favorite character. And manga and anime have taken a big part in the expansion of the imaginary of the mask through art by mixing old beliefs and modern action.
Japanese masks have played a significant role in the country's history and traditions. Whether used for religious ceremonies, theatrical performances, cosplaying or simply as decorative items, these masks continue to cultivate the curiosity of many people.
Famous Japanese masks
1. Okina mask: it represents an old man. It is used to open Noh performances. The mask is painted white and has a gentle expression, with a flowing beard. It represents wisdom and benevolence, and the character it represents often imparts important messages or teachings.
2. Hannya mask: it has the features of a female demon who is consumed by jealousy and anger. The mask has sharp, pointed teeth, horns, and a red, angry expression. The eyes are wide and the eyebrows are furrowed, giving the mask an intense and frightening appearance.
3. Onna-men mask: the representation of a beautiful woman. The mask has delicate features, with full lips, a small nose, and arched eyebrows. The eyes are almond-shaped and painted with long, thick lashes. The mask is often painted with subtle shades of red or pink on the cheeks, giving it a soft and gentle appearance.
4. Tengu mask: face of a supernatural creature with a long nose. The mask has a red face and a prominent nose. The eyebrows are painted in a dramatic arch, giving the mask a terrifying appearance. It is often used when the theme is about magic and supernatural powers.
5. Hyottoko mask: it represents a comical character. The mask has a wide, smiling mouth that extends to the ears, with bulging eyes and bushy eyebrows. The character represented by the mask is often portrayed as a clown, and is known for making people laugh.
6. Namanari mask: it represents a character who is possessed by a spirit. The mask has a distorted expression, with bulging eyes and an open mouth to express madness.
7. Uba mask: it represents an old witch. The mask has a wrinkled face, with a hooked nose and a wide mouth. The eyes are sunken and the eyebrows are painted in a dramatic arch, giving the mask a sinister appearance.
8. Shikami mask: it represents a demon with the ability to control animals. The mask has a fierce expression, with sharp teeth and a long nose.
Religious, artistic, or functional like the samurai’s one, the mask is an item that has continuously be present in the Japanese culture across the ages and will continue to be.
If you are interested in decorating your interior with this traditional object, visit our wooden mask collection.
Calligraphy is a subtle and elegant blend of written art and communication. The earliest examples of Japanese calligraphy date back to the 6th century, when Chinese characters were first introduced into Japan.
It was during the Heian period (794-1185), that calligraphy evolved artistically, with the introduction of new writing styles and techniques. It was not until the time of Muromachi (1336-1573) that calligraphy became an art in its own right.
2. Kimono - The traditional Japanese garment
The word kimono is composed of 着る, kiru (“to carry on oneself”) and of 物, mono (“thing”), literally “thing that one carries on oneself”. Its predecessor, the Kosode, was a short sleeves garment used when Japan was still under the influence of China in the 7th century. A kimono is a long, loose-fitting robe with wide sleeves, worn by men and women. It has been popularized abroad by the image of the Geisha, known for her elegance. Kimonos are often made of silk. The patterns and colors on the fabric are carefully chosen to reflect the season and occasion like weddings, festivals, and tea ceremonies.
3. Japanese Tea Ceremony - The art of making and serving tea
The Japanese tea ceremony, or "chado," is a cultural practice that has been passed down for generations. It is a moment out of time, that involves the preparation and serving of green tea, called "matcha". The ceremony emphasizes simplicity, harmony, and respect, and each step is slowly performed with care and attention to detail.
4. Ikebana - The art of flower arrangement
Ikebana, or "kado," is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. It is practiced as a way to find peace and harmony.
It involves the careful selection and placement of flowers and other natural ornamentation in a way that expresses the beauty of nature and the changing seasons.
5. Kabuki - The traditional Japanese theatre
Kabuki is a form of traditional Japanese theatre that originated in the 17th century. It is known for its elaborated masks, costumes, and dramatic performances. The stories are historical or mythical. The actors use magnified movements and gestures to convey emotions and tell the story.
Traditional Japanese art is known for its simplicity, elegance, and attention to detail. You can find all these characteristics in the collections of artistic items we propose, and surely find a piece of art to bring an authentic Japanese touch to your interior.
You can discover the exposed artworks below.
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3 of his paintings :
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This exhibition was special for several reasons, for both him and us at BuyJapanArt.
For him, this was the result of a full year of work. He explained us he reserved the gallery one year ago and had been working on his artworks since then. He said he decided back then to do something special and challenging for the year of the Tokyo Olympics. The Olympics did not survive the Covid but Yoshiro decided to maintain his plan and hold the exhibition even during this period that is extremely challenging for artists.
For us, this exhibition was special because it was held in the gallery where we discovered him the first time, in summer last year. Therefore, this was a great pleasure to meet him again there. Last year he was only exposing few artworks in one of the rooms of the gallery, but this time he was using the whole gallery and was exposing about 90 artworks. It proves the growing success of this raising star!
Let's discover his artworks.
Yoshiro will expose again in few days so come back for the next report!
]]>We found the gallery inside a regular house in a residential area!
Yoshiro Kawakami exposed eight paintings, and a video (on the left in the first picture below). He painted the same girl with the hair in different positions, and in different postures to make an anime based on paintings.
You will also notice the mask has made his way into art with the painting on the bottom right on the first picture below!
A usual Yoshiro Kawakami's paintings are very cute.
Apart from Yoshiro's paintings, there were artworks from four other Japanese artists :
Yoshiro will expose again in December and January, so check the blog for the reports!
]]>This time Yoshiro Kawakami exposed a series of 20 cute characters paintings.
When I first saw them, a kind of 3D effect in the hair immediately caught my eyes. I had to look very closely to confirm this was just the result of Yoshiro's technique. The result was amazing.
We really love Yoshiro's style here at BuyJapanArt!
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A rare, unique ski like no other, decorated by one of our artist.
BuyJapanArt is excited to announce the launch of the new limited edition ski from the famous company J Skis.
They have worked in collaboration with Tetsuya Abe to make a high quality ski decorated with one of his paintings.
You can check the details of the product on J Skis' homepage.
J Skis has been founded by Jason Levinthal, a truly champion and a passionnate skier who has collaborated with high-level engineers, advanced factories and pioneering athletes in the world to bring to customers what they really want, a higher quality product at a more affordable price.
All skis are sold in limited quantities, each hand signed and numbered by Jason, so you own a rare and unique ski.
What we like the most of Jason’s vision is the disruptive method : cutting the middlemen and selling directly from the factory to the cutomers. By this way, it brings J Skis’ products to market faster, years ahead of the competition.
We are clearly on the same page here. BuyJapanArt is selling Art directly from the artist to the customer, this way we bring artists more exposure by spreading the word to our unique audience, the entire world.
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