My next project is the 10x10 square inch design on 13 count canvas shown above. This piece is called O'jishi and it is from Leigh Designs' series of eight Japanese Noh masks.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp467x.html
I've loved Leigh's masks for a long time. She created the large triple Chinese drama masks pieces, one of which Rosalyn Cherry-Soleil stitched so memorably last year (smaller versions of which are to be released next January at the TNNA market)...
http://www.stitchamaze.com/pieces-in-work/dramamasks.aspx
...and the large and small versions of Carnavale, masks based on Venice's famous masks.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/IdxGroup.html
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp465x.html
But the masks that intrigued me the most were her masks based on Japanese Noh theatre. There are quite a few mask styles used in Noh as all the actors wear masks. You can see some of them here. You'll note that "shishi" or "jishi" means lion. This mask is a stylized lion, used to portray the father of Ko'jishi (another lion) or to depict more than one lion on stage.
http://www.nohmask21.com/eu/mlist/maledemon.html
The most famous play to use lion masks extensively is Stone Bridge which is the story of a monk visiting holy places, including one accessed by a difficult-to-cross stone bridge where he meets the dancing lion O'jishi. In this story, O'jishi is the messenger of a bodhisattva, one who has achieved enlightenment but has postponed Nirvana in order to help others achieve enlightenment. You can see photos of a performance here. Explore the site further to learn more about Noh theatre, the gorgeous costumes and the fabulous masks.
http://www.the-noh.com/en/plays/photostory/ps_030.html
O'jishi was a gift from Leigh Designs. Once he is stitched, he will return to the studio to be a model (when he isn't frightening small children) and I will offer a stitch guide.
Now all I have to do is figure out how to stitch him!
Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow
5 comments:
THIS will be a fascinating one to follow! I can't wait for the choices and stitiching to begin.
Nancy
WOW!! This is fantastic and I can't wait to see you do the magic!
I'm watching, as always. I can't wait to see how you handle the teeth.
This is going to be a fun one to watch. The dots all over the head - how will you make them stand out without making him look like he's a poster child for Clearasil?
Oh, I already know how to handle that....
Jane, the tease of CH
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