noh mask

能面

A traditional Japanese theater mask.

Noh (能) is a classical Japanese form of dance drama. Noh masks are also used in Kyōgen performances (the comedic counterpart to Noh) and sometimes also in other Japanese performing arts and ceremonies.

Noh masks are traditionally made from carved cypress wood, painted or lacquered. They are frequently affixed by means of a red silk tying cord. They tend to employ heavy emphasis of shadows in order to portray different emotions (which can be changed by angling the mask).

Masks depicting human beings tend to reflect traditional medieval Japanese aesthetics (resembling characters from woodcut prints), having pale 'chubby' faces with well defined brows and cheek lines, plus prominent eyebrows. Masks depicting older humans tend to have extensive wrinkles and beards.

Masks depicting supernatural entities tend to have large eyes and exaggerated expressions. They may also have horns, fangs and other nonhuman features. Gold paint is frequently used to (literally) highlight the otherworldly appearance of such entities.

Noh masks are used to portray different characters when on stage, similar to Western makeup. An actor may, however, rapidly switch between different masks to fulfill different roles.

Examples

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