Who is Roger Voltz, Noh Mask Sculptor and Artist?

Roger Voltz, a Frenchman who came to Japan after graduating from the University of Paris, mastered martial arts, classical martial arts, and classical techniques, becoming the Modern Last Samurai.

But that’s not all there is to his life.

He is also a Noh mask sculptor, creating masks for the traditional Japanese performing art of “Noh.”

In 1992, he met the Noh mask master “Mugen” Atsumi Kichinosuke, and under his guidance, he began carving Noh masks. For nearly 30 years now, he has continued to create these works as a Noh mask sculptor.

It generally takes about six months to a year to complete one piece.

The process starts with carefully selecting the wood to be used.

As you may have guessed, the total number of Noh masks he has made so far is only about 25.

They are rare indeed.

He has also held regular solo exhibitions in the past.

Those who have seen his work are truly fortunate.

• August 2006: Solo exhibition at the Shizuoka Gas Gallery.

• September 2007: Group exhibition with Mugen’s disciples at the Shizuoka Prefectural Museum of Art.

• May 2008: Collaborative exhibition with Mugen’s works at Center Department Store in Shizuoka.

• December 2008: Solo exhibition at the Shizuoka Prefectural Museum of Art for the 150e anniversary of the establishment of relations of amity and commercial cooperation between France and Japan.

• October 2010: Group exhibition with Mugen’s disciples at the Shizuoka Prefectural Museum of Art.

• September 2012: Group exhibition with Mugen’s disciples at the Shizuoka Prefectural Museum of Art.

From now on, I plan to gradually release and sell a limited number of his works as an artist, for a limited time. Please look forward to it.

Thank you for reading.

(Marcel)