The one who leads the way

Hand-molded and hand-painted papier-mâché mask made by the artisans of Yanagiya Reproduct, a studio founded in 2020 to preserve and recreate the folk objects once produced by the original Yanagiya workshop, which operated for more than 80 years and created over 50 clay, wood, and papier-mâché folk toys.

This mask is based on the Kirinji­shi Mai, the traditional Qilin–Lion dance of the Tottori region. The nuke plays an essential role in this ritual procession: wearing a turmeric-colored hood with eye holes, he accompanies the kirinjishi and the troupe of shōjō as they dance through the town. In earlier times, when alleyways were far narrower than they are today, the nuke would clear the path ahead, allowing the kirinjishi and shōjō to perform their dance freely.

Crafted in Kurayoshi, Tottori Prefecture, the mask continues the local hariko (papier-mâché) technique, using Inshu washi, mineral pigments, and natural glue. Each piece is molded over a carved wooden form and hand-painted, a process that takes about one week to complete.