Noh and Kabuki: The Forms of Gods and Demons in Noh
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Atsuita (Noh costume), Design of clouds, screens with arrows, and fish scales on red and green ground, Edo period, 19th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 9
February 20, 2018 (Tue) - April 22, 2018 (Sun)Noh plays were originally performed as offerings to the gods. Characters that appear in these plays include a variety of gods and demons, the creation of which was stimulated by a fear of nature and unearthly "spirits." The colors, patterns, and shapes of the costumes used for these roles depend on the type of god or demon being portrayed. For this exhibition, we have recreated the appearances of three different types of gods inspired by the latter half of the Noh play Arashiyama. Visitors are also encouraged to view a related exhibition, The Masks of Japan: Gods and Demons in Noh and Kyogen, in Room 14 on the first floor of this building.
Current exhibit includes:
Atsuita (Noh costume), Design of clouds, screens with arrows, and fish scales on red and green ground, Edo period, 19th century
Kariginu (Noh costume), Edo period, 18th century, (Lent by the Agency for Cultural Affairs)