Noh Masks and Costumes Passed Down by the Konparu Troupe of Nara
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Noh Mask, Shakumi type, With branded mark “Tenkaichi Zekan”, Formerly owned by the Konparu troupe, Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period, 16th - 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Rooms T1 & T2
January 31, 2017 (Tue) - March 26, 2017 (Sun)In the 14th century, for example, what would later be called the Kanze, Hosho, Konparu, and Kongo troupes performed at Kasuga Shrine and Kofukuji Temple. To this day, the lead roles in Noh plays are performed by actors from these troupes, with the Konparu boasting the longest history. In the 15th century, Konparu Zenchiku, an actor from this troupe, became the son-in-law of Zeami, who is credited with perfecting Noh theater. Consequently, Zenchiku inherited Zeami’s books of secret Noh teachings. Thereafter, around the late 16th century, Konparu Yasuteru received the patronage of the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, bringing the Konparu troupe to a peak of popularity. However, the troupe subsequently began to lose its vitality, and during a time of upheaval in the late 19th century, many of its masks and costumes were sold and became scattered throughout Japan. However, one private group, the Teirakusha in Nara, aided the troupe by purchasing many of its objects and allowing the troupe to continue to use them. After the Second World War, 47 Noh masks and 196 costumes in the group’s possession became part of the Tokyo National Museum collection.
This thematic exhibition is the very first to bring together exceptional masks and costumes of the Konparu troupe. We invite visitors to enjoy this collection, which is prized for its significance in the history of Noh theater.
Current exhibit includes:
Noh Mask, Sankojo type, With inscription “Sanko”, Formerly owned by the Konparu troupe, Muromachi period, 15th - 16th century (Important Cultural Property, On exhibit through February 12, 2017)
Noh Mask, Okina type, Formerly owned by the Konparu troupe, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)
Noh Mask, Chorei beshimi type, With inscription “Kihinokensei”, Formerly owned by the Konparu troupe, Muromachi period, 15th - 16th century (Important Cultural Property)
Surihaku (Noh costume), Shikishi paper and grape design on purple ground, Formerly owned by the Konparu troupe, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)
Nuihaku (Noh costume), Design of paulownia, phoenix, reed, cherry blossom, and snow-covered bamboo at shoulders and hem on white ground, Formerly owned by the Konparu troupe, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)
Nuihaku (Noh costume), Chrysanthemum, reed, and waterfowl design on red and white checkered ground, Formerly owned by the Konparu troupe, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)
Noh Mask, Shakumi type, With branded mark “Tenkaichi Zekan”, Formerly owned by the Konparu troupe, Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period, 16th - 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Noh Mask, Ko'omote type, Formerly owned by the Konparu troupe, Muromachi period, 15th - 16th century (Important Cultural Property)
Nuihaku (Noh costume), Snow-covered willow and fan design at shoulders and skirt on white ground, Formerly owned by the Konparu troupe, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)
Atsuita (Noh costume), Poem design on red and gold katamigawari (color differing in halves) ground, Formerly owned by the Konparu troupe, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)