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Masks and Costumes of the Noh Play The Kasuga Dragon God

Noh Mask: Kurohige
Signed “Work of Tokuwaka”, Passed down by the Uesugi clan, Edo period, 18th century

Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room19
April 8, 2026 (Wed) - June 28, 2026 (Sun)

The noh play The Dragon God of Kasuga tells the story of an eminent monk named Myōe who is a devout follower of the buddha Śākyamuni. He visits Kasuga Shrine and receives a divine message from the deities there. Today’s exhibition features costumes that offer a glimpse of how the play looked on stage, with a particular focus on the striking masks and attire worn by the actor playing the Dragon God in the second part of the play. This exhibition also invites you to compare the costumes and masks with the handscroll Illustrated Scenes from Noh and Kyōgen Plays, which depicts how the performances were staged.

Major Work(s) on Exhibit 3 results

	Designation	Name		Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance	Period	Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number	CMT
Highlight		Noh Costume (Kariginu) with Dragon Roundels and Clouds		Passed down by the Uesugi clan	Edo period, 18th century	I-2843
Highlight		Noh Costume (Hangire) with Wavy Stripes, Comma Shapes, and Hammer Wheels			Edo period, 18th century	I-2858
Highlight		Noh Mask: Kurohige		Signed “Work of Tokuwaka”, Passed down by the Uesugi clan	Edo period, 18th century	C-1468

Exhibitions