The Secrets of Noh Masks Hardcover – May 1, 2010

The masks are a marvel of simplicity and yet, thanks to multiple photographs at different angles, manage to display different moods and emotions. Truly a remarkable way for actors to embody their characters on stage.

I bought this book to use as reference for another book I was reading (Mask by Fumiko Enchi) and I expected it to be good, but this exceeded my expectations. There's no other way to describe it, it's just a breathtaking work of art, just like the mask themself. Udaka is a master both as an interpreter and as a mask maker, and his description of the mask and it's expressions, taking especial care to explain the complexity and character of each of the 32 mask here exposed, make this book both interesting and comprensible. If you are interested in Japanese culture and art, you won't be disapointed. It's a fantastic book, and a true treasure.

this book was exactly what i wanted- the pictures are beautiful, and the descriptions of each mask are very well written. this book is displayed on a stand on a bookshelf, and it is the perfect the perfect useful but still aesthetically pleasing addition to the asian-inspired decor in the home. i highly recommend it for those who are not only looking to find useful information on individual Noh Masks, but also an inexpensive, beautiful piece of art.

Gave this book to son as a holiday gift. Gorgeous photos. The book also includes the history of the NOH masks and the meaning of each mask highlighted in the book.

I must say the pictures on this book are so beautiful. I like asian arts and wanted to know more about Noh theatre, little did I know that I would enjoy this book so much. Descriptions are detailed, pages are in full color, and there are a lot of full-page pictures. This is a great addition to my book collection.

Beautiful photography and a great source for a school project I had written. A bit larger than expected, which isn't a problem at all

Quick shipping, beautiful book! Thanks!

Very crisp photography of vintage Japanese theatre masks. I use this book to inspire mask-making in art therapy

This book is one of the most beautiful books I have read and one of the most beautiful books I own. The masks are photographed and presented not in bright light but in shadowy tones which does nothing to take away from their fragile beauty but add everything to it. The author accompanies each mask by a description of them, explaining what each mask means and what they are meant to represent. The text is not rambling or complicated but to the point.Truly a beautiful edition to any collection on Japan for the NOH enthusiast or anyone with an interest in Japan or Japanese culture.

As other have written this is a good book populated with fabulous pictures and informative texts. Shame that Amazon managed to ruin it by tearing the front cover for me. If you have an interest in Noh or masks in general this book will. It disappoint.

Beautiful, big and well printed book.

excellent

Ok