Tengu Mask Using Paper Clay

Tengu Mask is Japanese Traditional mask. In Japanese culture, wearing a Tengu mask serves not only as artistic expressions but also as a protective charm, believed to repel evil spirits and attract good fortune .

Paper , Paper clay , Clay tools , Cotton cloth , Water colour , Brushes , Water.

Take a few paper and fold them to make a base for the face . Stick the paper on table to keep it fixed while working . Now take the paper clay and smash it to a thin sheet . Keep a piece of cotton cloth on the folded paper , then place the sheet of clay above the paper. Cut out the excess clay from the edges using clay tools or something sharp to make the face get a shape .

The most crucial step is giving expression to the face . For a Tengu mask that fury expression is quite outstanding along with the long nose. We have to make the nose , eyes , lips , cheeks and chin separately. Then mount it to the face using clay tools and water . After that try smoothening the face with hand , then keep it aside to dry .

After 24 hours take the face and apply white coloured primer paint. wait for 30 minutes to dry .

I have used water colour to paint the mask (acrylic or fabric paint can also be used). Red and Black are The important colour used in a Tengu mask . Sometimes golden colour are also used along with Red and Black . After painting keep it aside to dry. Remove the cotton cloth slowly and make a stand for the mask using some stuff of your wish to place somewhere to show off .