■ 100% Paper 100% Handmade
These masks are made of paper, but they are solid and reliable. You can wear them just like any other mask.
With their retro, distinctly Japanese ambiance, they’re very popular for use as wall decorations as well.

■ Habutae-bari: Ichino’s new technique

The habutae-bari method of papier-mâché involves pasting together layers of only artisanal Japanese washi paper with rice-based adhesive. It is an innovative technique developed here at Ichino, where we have been honing papier-mâché techniques since our founding in 1989. Our usual hariko are made with recycled paper and are finished structurally with a coat of base paint. However, in the case of habutae-bari, we use 10 sheets of washi paper for the core and another sheet each to finish the front and back. From there we paint the design directly onto the model, with no need for a reinforcing basecoat. As a result, the wearer can feel the warm texture of the washi itself. The lack of a basecoat also means these masks are significantly lighter than a conventional hariko mask of the same shape: while normal masks are about 200 – 240 grams, these habutae-bari masks are only 70 – 80 grams. Since masks are worn on the face, this lightness is an important advantage. However, because they are thin, they are less durable and require extra care when handling. Also, pasting washi paper requires a large amount of time and effort, so these masks are significantly more expensive than our standard products. Regardless, they are a perfect fit for anyone who values the luxurious texture of washi and the comfort of a lighter mask.

■Fox Mask
Foxes are the messengers of the gods. They say good things will come to you if you wear the mask of a fox. This mask is a good luck charm, so it makes a great gift.

Reference price 12,000(JPN/YEN Tax excluded)
Part No. #647522 JAN 4528624061901
Size W165×D130×H275mm / Weight 95g (plus string, 10g)

[Noh Masks ]
Noh masks are used in traditional performing arts such as noh theater and religious kagura dancing. They have been influenced by the masks of older performing arts such as gigaku theater and court dancing.
■Koomote: Maiden Mask (Noh Mask)
The word ko in Japanese, which usually means small, can also mean lovely, young, and pretty, and this mask depicts the face of just that sort of young woman. It is one of the main types of noh mask.

Reference price 12,000(JPN/YEN Tax excluded)
Part No. #647520 JAN 4528624061888
Size W130×D65×H210mm / Weight 45g (plus string, 10g)

■Hannya: Vengeful Spirit Mask (Noh Mask)
This mask depicts the face of a woman’s vengeful spirit. It turns her hostile desire to avenge a grudge into a work of art.

Reference price 15,000(JPN/YEN Tax excluded)
Part No. #647521 JAN 4528624061895
Size W165×D130×H275mm / Weight  95g (plus string, 10g)