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The Mask

By Tomoko Fuse

Published: 1997 by Origami House
Pages: 200
Binding: Paperback
Language: Japanese

Buy from: Origami-shop.com

Skill Level : Complex
Clear diagrams? Yes
Tinted diagrams (to show 2 sides of paper)? Yes
Photos of completed models? Yes - beautiful pictures!
Is there indication to the model size resulting
from size of starting paper? 		No
Are the models "Pure" origami (From square - no cuts)? Yes
Overall Impression

Tomoko Fuse is mostly known for her beautiful boxes and modular origami. Here she proves that she can create magnificent representational origami as well.
The masks represent various types of the Japanese theater. They are superbly detailed, and each has a unique expression.

Special thanks to Michael and Lar for assisting with translations!

The Models
Model Notes Photo (Click for a larger image)

Gigaku masks

A performing art imported in the sixth century that included a procession of masked figures followed by dances and mimes accompanied by flutes, drums, and cymbals. The lion dance (shishi mai) was a featured part of the performance.
Suiko-oh The drunken king of Ko (the country that used to be to the west of China).
Symbolizes the harvest. Appears with the drunks of Ko. 		 
Folded by Phillip West
Suiko-jyuu The 8 drunk attendants who appear at the end of Gigaku wear these masks. Each of them has a unique humorous expression, indicating that he is drunk.  
Folded by Phillip West
Rikishi Buddhist guardian of Gojo the maiden (defends her honour).
In the middle
Chidou Road keeper.
Worn by the actor leading the procession.

Bugaku masks

Court dance imported from the continent before the eighth century. Elaborately costumed and masked figures perform slow, stately dances to instrumental music called gagaku.
Batou An angry son whose father was killed by a wild animal, and he is seeking revenge.  
Folded by Phillip West
Sanjyu Wearing a crown made of dragons, mask worn by warriors
fighting with swords. 		 
Folded by Phillip West
Chikyuu Represents celebration of long-lasting peace, has prominent nose.  
Folded by Phillip West
Kotokuraku Used in a comic dance of drunk characters.
As many as six performers appear, 3 with the hinged, swaying nose. 		 
Folded by Phillip West

Gyoudou masks

Koshikaki Carriage carrier's mask.
Batou Angry character.
Kendatsuba God that eats perfume and fights in the sky, another mask worn by carriers.
Folded by Jake Crowley
Bisyamon One of the seven lucky gods - God of Treasure, war and warriors.  
Folded by Phillip West

Kyogen masks

Kyogen is the classical comic theater which balances the more serious Noh.
Ebisu One of the seven lucky gods - God of fishermen,
rice farmers, good fortune, commerce and the kitchen. 		origami ebisu mask
Daikoku Another one of the seven lucky gods - God of Wealth,
prosperity, farmers, flood control and the kitchen.
Kentoku God representing horses, cows, dogs and octopii.  
Folded by Phillip West
Buaku Used to denote a devil or the King of Hell. Used to comic effect.  
Folded by Phillip West

Noh masks

Noh theater combines the elements of dance, music, masked song and poetry.
Obeshimi The face of the mythical Tengu (spirit of the earth).
Beshimi means "mouth firmly clamped shut".
Protects others from evil spirits and demons.
Okina An old man with a long white beard, expressing wisdom.
Worn on stage to represent "something in progress". 		origami okina mask
Shikami Demonic masculine spirit.
On the left
Yase-otoko A ghost suffering in hell.
On the right
Han-nya A furious woman, turned into a demon from jealousy and anger.
Namanari Vengeful lady of the full moon, a less mature form of Han-nya.
Onna-no-men Woman
this is a development by Fuse herself, inspired by women in Noh theater.
Folded by Jake Crowley
Han-nya-funno-kashira Han-nya puppet.
Folded by Alfredo Perez Jimenez

Shuu saku bako masks ("Work in Progress")

Taikoji "Child smiling innocently".
Haremen Old lady.
Folded by Herman Mariano
Usobuki Demon representing something weak.  
Folded by Phillip West