Taizo Kobayashi, mask-making craftsman
神楽面職人、小林泰三さん
Taizo Kobayashi is a craftsman who makes washi masks for kagura. Trained craftsmen like him create special masks using locally produced washi paper called Sekishu washi. They first create a mould from clay and then apply small pieces of washi paper onto the mould, making several layers. The layers of washi, combined with a specially mixed glue that uses kakishibu (polymeric tannin extracted from fermented persimmon juice), make the masks light and strong.
Taizo was determined to be a craftsman when he was very young. “My elementary school teacher gave me a children’s book when I was in the first grade. It was about a boy and his father who was a mask-making craftsman. I was excited to discover the world of mask-making. Later, when I was in the fifth grade, I had a chance to meet a master craftsman. He asked me if I wanted to learn from him. I said yes instantly. I didn’t even ask my mother,” explained Taizo.
Taizo does not only make masks but also heads a local group that performs regularly at local theatres. “Masks only come alive in the theatre. I am a maker but also a wearer. Some things can only be discovered as a wearer,” says Kobayashi.
“Taking part in kagura proves that I exist here; I am certainly here in Yunotsu.”
小林泰三さんは、和紙でできた神楽面を作る職人だ。彼のように修行を積んだ職人たちが、神楽面のために作られた地元の石州和紙を使って面を手作業で作る。まずは粘土で型を作り、その上から小さくちぎった和紙を貼り重ねていく。和紙の層は柿渋の入った糊で貼り固められ、軽くて丈夫な面ができあがる。
泰三さんは幼いころに職人になることを決意した。「僕が小学校1年生のとき、先生が絵本をくれました。男の子と面職人のお父さんの物語でした。面職人というものを、それで知って興味をもちました。その後、5年生の時に、面職人の師匠に出会う機会がありました。師匠の『やってみるか』という声かけに、母親にも相談せずに、その場で『やりたい』と」と振り返る泰三さん。
「神楽をやっているということ。それは自分がいま確実にここに存在していることを証明するものだと思います」
Text by Maki Nakata
Photography by Edward Hames
