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People collect all kinds of things these days but cultural artifacts have been collected for centuries. These artifacts range from culture to culture. Japanese masks are valuable collectible item these days because more and more people appreciate the level of craftsmanship and detail that goes in the creation of a single mask.

There are many types of collectible Japanese masks. A popular collectible Japanese mask is the samurai mask. Other less popular items are Japanese Noh masks. Noh masks are masks used in Noh theater in Japan.

Noh or No was developed in the fourteenth century and is a type of Japanese musical dramas. Its roots can be traced to the Sarugaku, the Chinese Nuo Theater. The actors and musicians of Noh never practice or rehearse together. Each of them practices the movement, dances and songs separately under a senior tutor.

Not all the actors in Noh plays wear masks. In most cases only the protagonist of the play wore a mask. In some cases however, when an actor has a female role then the actor would wear a mask. There are Noh masks that portray females, or imaginary figures like demons, animals or divine characters. In some cases masks were used to represent younger or older people. In general, the mask, was used to alter the appearance of the actor and thus enabling actors to play a variety of roles regardless of their sex and age.

Changing ones appearance was not the only use of Noh masks. They were used to create an expression on ones face and to portray emotions like fear, sadness and happiness. Overall, there are many different types of Noh masks. Some have survived from the 14th century and are highly valuable for collectors. You can also find reproductions made that can be easily found on the internet for sale.

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