A journey into the heart of 19th century Japan . . .
Set in the traditional world of the Noh theatre, and in Paris during the heady days when French impressionism was the avant-garde, this heartbreaking, beautifully written novel tells of a young Japanese artist who sacrifices everythin - family, love and wealth - for his art.
A Noh mask carver dedicates his life to his art, turning his back on love after a series of tragic events leaves him devastated. Kiyoki, his only son, defies his father and the demands of cultural tradition to follow his dream of becoming a painter in the western style. Kiyoki journeys to Paris, where he lives the life of an exile where he at last discovers himself as an artist. Finally, unable to break the bonds of tradition, he finds his heart leads him back to Japan.
