theatre mask
- Museum number
- OA+.7111
- Description
-
Mask for No theatre. Fushikizo. Made of painted wood. Kakihan (seal).
- Production date
- 17thC (?)
- Dimensions
-
Height: 21 centimetres
-
Width: 13.30 centimetres
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Depth: 6.70 centimetres
- $Inscriptions
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- Curator's comments
- The intense eyes and parted lips form the enigmatic expression of this Japanese Noh theatre mask.
Noh theatre derived from Japanese ritual performance known as Dengaku and Sarugaku. The performance originally including juggling and acrobatics. It was developed by the actor Kan’ami (1333–84) and his son Zeami (1363–1443). The Japanese military leader, the 3th Ashikaga Shogun, Yoshimitsu (1358–1408) patronised this new theatrical form, which was established according to the principles of Zen Buddhism. These principles were ones of restraint, understatement, economy of movement and frugality of expression.
This mask is one of several variations of a young woman based on an original design by Zeami. It can be held at different angles where the expression will appear joyful or despairing. Actors make subtle movements and gestures to convey the emotion of the narrative rather than playing the role of a specific character.
Noh theatre and mask making is still continued in Japan today.
- Location
- Not on display
- Exhibition history
-
2015 – 2016 4 Dec – 29 May, National Museum of Singapore, ‘Treasures of the World’s Cultures’
- Department
- Asia
- Registration number
- OA+.7111