Kyogen Masks and Costumes

Kyogen drama portrayed the daily life of the Muromachi period (1336-1573); involving various natural phenomena and encounters, relations involving gods and spirits, and the daily lives that reflected human connections and families through humor and satire. The deep discernment of human emotions and characteristics, such as slyness, laziness, dishonesty, jealousy and sympathy, which appears and disappears in a humorous way that still invites a laugh and common understanding even from modern day audiences.

Because the Kyogen drama served as entertainment for commoners in the Muromachi period, the costumes retain the style and fashion that were worn by the people at the time. In contrast to silk Noh costumes, decorated with vivid and extravagant embroidery with gold and silver leaf, the garments used in Kyogen were mainly made of hemp fabric with the designs dyed in, based on garments worn by rural feudal lords and their retinues. With their surprising and humorous designs displaying a free and open-minded sense of parody, the entire garment acted as a canvas to display themes such as annual events and ceremonies, festivals, seasonal themes such as grasses and vegetables, daily tools and toys, and animals and insects that live with people and in woodlands. Kataginu garments particularly present lively and exciting designs. Expressions of Kyogen masks also invites laughs in Kyogen dramas.

Enjoy the art of Kyogen masks and costumes and their unique features that highlight the interesting aspects of Kyogen.