Kiyoki is the son of Yamamoto Ryusei, a master carver of Noh masks, and Etsuko, the only child of a famous Noh actor. Etsuko dies giving birth to Kiyoki. Her death devastates the family, especially Ryusei. Already aloof and almost otherwordly, he withdraws even more into himself. Kiyoki is raised largely by his devoted grandmother. He grows up in an atmosphere steeped in art and drama - the Noh theater of his grandfather and the almost magical Noh masks created by his father, who is acclaimed a master at an early age.

Ryusei wants his son to follow in his footsteps and become a carver of Noh masks. However, Kiyoki has no interest in carving. Like his mother, he prefers to draw. It is his discovery of western art when he is a teenager that finally convinces him to become an artist:

"I was going to be a Western-style painter, for those were the paintings that I loved. The landscapes had depth, the figures had volume, and the palette was rich and varied. I would not be like my father, with his ashen masks, I secretly told myself. I was born on the cusp of a new age."

The relationship of Kiyoki and Ryusei is poignant. As Kiyoki says, "Silence, it seems, was our curse." Ryusei is drawn into himself and his art. He has difficulty expressing his feelings, even for his only son. He has lost his parents, his older brother, his wife, and his in-laws. His son is all he has left. Perhaps his attempt to train Kiyoki in the art of the mask carver is Ryusei's way of having a relationship with him. Maybe this is his way of showing his love for his son.

However, Kiyoki's carving remains mediocre, though his painting of the Noh masks is masterful. He is determined to go his own way. Kiyoki will become a painter even if it breaks his father's heart.

"I suppose somewhere deep in my heart, I wanted to wound my father. To punish him for not loving me more. For cowering from life. Once and for all to make him feel the impact of his blade.

As I had lived my childhood in its mirror.

"The Mask Carver's Son" is a beautifully written tale of a father and son, whose artistic styles are worlds apart, but whose passion for their art is very much the same. Kiyoki and Ryusei are both sympathetic, interesting characters I came to care about. I was sorry to reach the of the book. I will definitely be reading more of Alyson Richman's work.