Noh and Kabuki: Kabuki Costumes
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Nuihaku (Noh costume), Lily and courtly carriage design on brown ground (detail), Passed down by the Konparu Troupe, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 9
January 2, 2016 (Sat) - March 6, 2016 (Sun)Noh developed from Sarugaku, a type of theater performed at temple and shrine festivals in the Muromachi period (1392–1573). It reached a peak under the actor and playwright Ze'ami around the early 14th century. From the mid-Edo period in the 18th century, Noh became the ceremonial theater of Japan's ruling warrior class. Under their patronage, its style changed to suit their tastes, which is reflected by the lavish, gold-woven Noh costumes still used today.Costumes from the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573–1603), however, show a different style, which was inherited from the preceding Muromachi period when Noh reached a peak.
Most Noh costumes from the Azuchi-Momoyama period that have survived intact are designated Important Cultural Property because of their rarity. This exhibition will display five such cultural properties in addition to other costumes
Current exhibit includes:
Suo (Noh costume), Flowering plant and scattered square papers design on dark blue ramie ground, Muromachi - Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Kasuga jinja, Gifu)
Nuihaku (Noh costume), Flowering plant design at top and bottom on white ground, Passed down by the Konparu Troupe, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)
Nuihaku (Noh costume), Lily and courtly carriage design on brown ground, Passed down by the Konparu Troupe, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)
Sobatugi (Noh costume), Flower and bird design on dark blue satin, Muromachi - Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Kasuga Jinja, Gifu)
Happi (Noh costume), Cloud and dragon design in mixed cotton and silk weave on brown ground, Muromachi - Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Kasuga Jinja, Gifu)