Noh and Kabuki: Bugaku in Japan’s Medieval Period
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Ryoto (Bugaku costume), Design of a double-vine peony arabesque in gold brocade on a dark blue ground, Formerly passed down at Niutsuhime Jinja, Wakayama, Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 9
April 24, 2018 (Tue) - June 17, 2018 (Sun)A style of dance called Bugaku was introduced from continental Asia to Japan in the Nara period (710–794) and evolved as a form of entertainment performed at the imperial court in the following Heian period (794–1192). This exhibit presents masks, headwear, and costumes from the Niutsuhime Jinja shrine in Wakayama prefecture that were worn for Bugaku performances. These performances were held during the “Issai Kyoe” Buddhist ceremony, which has continued since the Kamakura period (1192–1333). We invite you to view these objects and their designs, which were created with materials and techniques unique to Japan’s medieval period..
Current exhibit includes:
Bugaku Mask, Taishotoku type, Formerly passed down at Niutsuhime Jinja, Wakayama, Kamakura period, 13th–14th century
Bugaku Mask, Onintei type, Formerly passed down at Niutsuhime Jinja, Wakayama, Kamakura period, 13th–14th century
Hanpi (Bugaku costume), Design of butterflies in kyokechi dyeing on a purple plain-weave silk ground, Formerly passed down at Niutsuhime Jinja, Wakayama, Muromachi period, 15th century
Ryoto (Bugaku costume), Design of a double-vine peony arabesque in gold brocade on a dark blue ground, Formerly passed down at Niutsuhime Jinja, Wakayama, Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)