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Japan, 1300-1400 AD |
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| Noh theatre, one of many theatrical traditions in Japan, evolved during the 14th and 15th centuries. A highly visual performance, it combines a special stage, masked actors in elaborate costumes, dance, drama, music and poetry. Noh is not a realistic performance of theatre, but a stylized and abstract form with careful movements that have meaning to the audience. | ||||||||||||||
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Hakata doll depicting Noh actor circa 1980 Japan |
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| Actors in Noh Theatre wear masks and colorful, carefully designed costumes like this doll. Every movement of the body is carefully acted out and carries deep meaning.
In Noh Theatre, actors wear masks to play different characters. Masks reveal exaggerated expressions so that the audience can easily see the character's emotion and personality. What type of character do you think each of these masks represents? |
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Miniature Ko-omote Noh theatre mask Japan "Ko" means cuteness, youth and beauty. "Omote" means face. This mask represents a young woman. |
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Shitadashioto Noh theatre mask Japan This mask represents a "laughing country woman." |
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| Tengu Noh theatre mask Japan Tengu is a demon in Japanese mythology. Why do you think he has such a long nose? His nose represents a beak. Tengu is also the bird form of a mischievous character that caused trouble for people in Japanese villages. |
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| Ko-jo (old man) Noh mask circa 1900 Japan |
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| Hannya Noh theatre mask Japan Look at the horns and sharp fangs on this mask. Who do you think it represents? Believe it or not, it represents a furious woman who has turned into a demon to avenge her jealousy and anger. |
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| To learn more about Noh Theatre masks ... click here >> | ||||||||||||||
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