Japanese Masks

Masks transform a person by being worn, and they have been made in various shapes around the world. This exhibition displays Japanese masks from the Jomon (10,000–5th century BC) to the Edo period (1603–1868).

Some clay masks from the Jomon period were smaller than a person’s face, but it seems they were not used only for wearing. There is also the possibility that they were hung from poles above graves.

Many gigaku masks for Buddhist ceremonies were created from the Asuka (593–710) to the Nara period (710–794). Examples are displayed in the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures three times a year, for one month at a time. (Currently not on display.)

From the Heian (794–1192) to the Kamakura period (1192–1333), many bugaku and gyodo masks were produced. Bugaku was performed at ceremonies and services in shrines and temples, so existing masks are spread across Japan. Gyodo masks were worn to represent Shinto gods parading around palanquins for deities, or to perform as the twenty-five bodhisattvas coming to welcome the dead in raigoe memorial services.

Noh plays were greatly developed by actor and playwright Zeami from the Nanbokucho (1333–1392) to the Muromachi period (1392–1573). Noh masks are unique to Japan and characteristically do not feature much emotion. Suppressing one's feelings is thought of as virtuous in Japan, but it may be seen as strange in other countries. On the other hand, kyogen masks typically have unique faces that suit the farcical scenarios of kyogen plays.

There are probably no countries with as many existing ancient masks as Japan. From the masks in this exhibition used in places of worship, at festivals to pray for large harvests, or on stage to entertain, visitors can imagine the thoughts of people from the past.