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The Masks of Japan: Gods and Demons in Noh and Kyogen

  • Image of "Noh Mask, Obeshimi type, With the carved inscription "By Itto of Kuji on Sadogashima", Muromachi period, 15th century (Lent by Agency for Cultural Affairs)"

    Noh Mask, Obeshimi type, With the carved inscription "By Itto of Kuji on Sadogashima", Muromachi period, 15th century (Lent by Agency for Cultural Affairs)

    Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 14
    March 20, 2018 (Tue) - April 22, 2018 (Sun)

    Noh and Kyogen have been performed for centuries in Japan, with Kyogen plays serving as comic interludes in between acts of Noh. These performing arts feature not only human characters, but also supernatural figures such as gods and demons. When playing these roles, actors wear distinctive masks that are of central importance to the performances and aid the audience in using their imaginations to flesh out the stories portrayed.

    A variety of masks have been created for depicting these roles, which include smiling gods that bring peace and bountiful harvests, beautiful goddesses with airs of nobility, and even violent deities that symbolize the destructive power of nature. This exhibition also features masks portraying demons, monsters, and tengu, which are winged creatures that terrorize humans with their unearthly powers, as well as those portraying women who were driven mad with jealousy and turned into vengeful demons or spirits. We invite visitors to enjoy the stunning forms and rich variety of these Noh and Kyogen masks.

     

 Major works in this exhibition
* Works listed below are in the TNM Collection unless otherwise indicated.
 Major works in this exhibition
* Works listed below are in the TNM Collection unless otherwise indicated.
Noh Mask, Obeshimi type, With the carved inscription "By Itto of Kuji on Sadogashima", Muromachi period, 15th century (Lent by Agency for Cultural Affairs)
Noh Mask, Okina type, Muromachi period, 15th–16tｈ century
Kyogen Mask, Bishamon type, Muromachi period, 15th–16th century
Noh Mask, Myoga'akujo type, Muromachi period, 15th–16th century (Lent by Agency for Cultural Affairs)
Noh Mask, Adachionna type, With the carved inscription "Dance and song", Muromachi period, 15th–16th century (Lent by Agency for Cultural Affairs)
Noh Mask, Hashihime type, Edo period, 17th century (Lent by Agency for Cultural Affairs)

Leaflet

The Masks of Japan: Gods and Demons in Noh and Kyogen
The Masks of Japan: Gods and Demons in Noh and Kyogen
(In Japanese)

The pamphlet is available at the Information desk, Honkan 1st floor during the Special Feature period

PDF（PDF, 2.60MB）

 

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