Jump to content

Donate

Tickets

Family Gallery　 The Emotions Behind Noh Masks

  • Image of "Noh Mask: Waka ShakumiEngraved: "Created by Zairen/Kumadayū of Heisenji Temple", Passed down by the Konparu troupe, Muromachi period, 15th–16th century (Important Cultural Property)"

    Noh Mask: Waka Shakumi
    Engraved: "Created by Zairen/Kumadayū of Heisenji Temple", Passed down by the Konparu troupe, Muromachi period, 15th–16th century (Important Cultural Property)

    Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 4
    September 1, 2026 (Tue) - October 25, 2026 (Sun)

    In Japanese, there is an expression, “like a Noh mask,” which refers to an expressionless face. In reality,however, Noh masks are full of emotion. The characters who appear in Noh plays each have specific roles and corresponding emotions, which are emphasized through the movements and gestures of the performers on stage, heightening the drama of the story.

     
    In this exhibition, we invite you to compare a variety of Noh masks. Try imagining, from their “expressions,” what kinds of roles they represent and what kinds of emotions they convey.
    List of Exhibits

Major works in this exhibition

* Works listed below are in the TNM Collection unless otherwise indicated.

Noh Mask: Waka Shakumi　Engraved: "Created by Zairen/Kumadayū of Heisenji Temple", Passed down by the Konparu troupe、 Muromachi period, 15th–16th century (Important Cultural Property)

Noh Mask: Okina　Muromachi period, 15th–16th century

Noh Mask: Han'nya　Inscribed in red: "Omi utsu"　Edo period, 17th–18th century

Noh Mask: Ōtobide　Passed down by the Konparu troupe　Muromachi period, 15th–16th century (Important Cultural Property)

 

Pamphlet

The Emotions Behind Noh Masks

This pamphlet is also available at the information desk in the Honkan during the exhibition period.
PDF（23.2MB）

 

Exhibitions