A folk art and emblem of local festivals, witness artisans bring lion masks to life
1.5 hour private experience
Location: Hakusan City, Ishikawa
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
Meet the Master
What you’ll do
Learn about the history of the shishimai lion mask performance and lion mask carving in Ishikawa. Witness masters at work, carving and repairing the lion masks used in local performances. Paint your own miniature, carved lion mask to take home as a symbol of good luck and warding off evil.
Who can attend
Children must be 12+
What you should wear
Clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty
Availability
Everyday except Tuesdays
Session 1 (09:00-10:30)
Session 2 (10:30-12:00)
Access
35 minutes by car from Kanazawa Station
A Lion's Share
The ferocious face of the shishi sways left and right, caught in a flurry of swords and spears, its offset golden eyes concentrating both on the opponent and the audience. The lion mask, the key figure of the shishimai dance performed throughout every pocket of Ishikawa Prefecture at festivals and local celebrations, is said to have originated as a celebration for the first feudal lord of the ancient Kaga domain, Maeda Toshiie. Since then, this fearsome work of art has transformed into a beloved folk art and performance, crafted by artisans who devote their lifetimes to sustaining the masks that feature at the center of the community, shaping the lion's protruding horn, or the mighty jaws that clack open and close as it crunches down on maleficent spirits, a guardian of the local people. The hefty bases of the lion masks are crafted from paulownia, a hardwood challenging to carve but light enough for masked performers to swing in their performances, while their bold colors are applied using urushi lacquer, giving the lion masks a lustrous sheen. In this studio, one of the last devoted to preserving and creating Kaga lion masks, father and son carve side-by-side, making it a family affair. See the artisans at work, etching in fine details or deftly shaping the iconic expressions of the shishi lion, while learning more about the rich heritage behind the art. Then, get-hands on with a lion mask workshop where you can apply the final trimmings to a miniature lion mask, a constant symbol of good fortune, to take home with you.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 14 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
