Gigaku Masks

Gigaku Mask: Karura
Asuka period, 7th century (National Treasure)

The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures Room 3
April 21, 2026 (Tue) - April 18, 2027 (Sun)

Gigaku was an outdoor Buddhist ceremony in which actors wearing large masks performed skits while parading to the accompaniment of music. Gigaku was introduced into Japan from the Korean kingdom of Baekje in the first half of the 7th century. After flourishing in the 7th and 8th centuries, however, it lost popularity and eventually ceased to be performed. The Hōryūji Treasures include 19 Gigaku masks made from camphor wood, nine made from paulownia wood, and three made with the dry lacquer technique. The camphor masks were most likely created between the second half of the 7th and the beginning of the 8th century, while the rest are thought to have been made in the 8th century.

On display only on Fridays and Saturdays

Major Work(s) on Exhibit 5 results

	Designation	Name	Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance	Period	Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number	CMT
Highlight	National Treasure	Gigaku Mask: Chidô		Asuka period, 7th century	N-209
Highlight	National Treasure	Gigaku Mask: Gojo		Asuka period, 7th century	N-211
Highlight	National Treasure	Gigaku Mask: Taikoji		Asuka period, 7th century	N-217
Highlight	National Treasure	Gigaku Mask: Gokô		Nara period, 7th century	N-210
Highlight	National Treasure	Gigaku Mask: Karura		Asuka period, 7th century	N-215

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