Noh Masks History

Masks have played an integral role during Japan's long history for many religious, ceremonial and performance events. The mask may signify a heroic individual, evil character, spirit, god, devil or mythical animal. The first masks were donned during the Jomon period from 10,000 to 300 B.C. Although there are several different types of Japanese masks, those that actors wear for noh dramatic performances are the most well known. Noh is a form of Japanese theater that is still presented today, combining Buddhist themes, music and dance. The plot may also represent a scene from Japanese literature, such as "The Tale of Genji."

Noh Beginnings

No one knows for sure how noh drama and the wearing of masks developed. Before they evolved into theatrical presentations, the masks may have been used as a form of religious ritual. Perhaps they covered the deceased's face, were used to defeat evil spirits or acted as religious offerings for medical treatment. Some historians believe the masks were used to emphasize beauty by hiding normal facial expressions. Masks work just like makeup, covering a face and transforming appearance

Traditional Agricultural Ceremonies

The noh plays evolved from folk agricultural ceremonies, such as "sarugaku"("monkey music") and "dengaku" ("rice dance"). Sarugaku, which originated in China, included acts such as juggling, mime, magic and acrobatics. These acts were often part of dances and temple ceremonies. The sarugaku performances merged with the dengaku agricultural traditions. Soon, the comedic and acrobatic performances were eliminated, and music, words and gestures became more essential to the art. Sarugaku then developed into the dramatic noh plays. Subsequent Japanese rulers made noh part of their regular artistic entertainment.

Okinami

"Okinami" was an earlier form of sarugaku that is still present in today's Noh dramatic themes and masks. Okina masks have been found that date back to the Kamakura period (1185 to 1332 A.D.). For example, the okina "kokushiji-jo" mask features a black face and movable jaw. It is only put on at the end of the "sanba-so" play about abundant harvests. Okina masks definitely display folk characteristics similar to the earliest noh masks.

Depiction of Emotion

Records show that noh mask styles were used for both religious and character themes during the middle to late Muromachi period (1392 to 1573 A.D.). The noh theater, which is presently performed in the same way as it was in the 14th century, depicts one all-essential emotion that dominates the main character, whether it is sadness, envy or anger. Dance, music, gestures and recitation enhance the emotional quality until the resolution of the play. One story, for example, may be about a warrior who returns to fight his last battle. According to Buddhist belief, people cannot be released spiritually if they still possess a powerful feeling or desire. All masks became very stylized and standardized during the Edo period (1615 to 1867.)

Mask Unique Quality

The majority of noh masks are carved from "hinoki" (cypress) wood and painted with bright colors and lacquer. Approximately 80 different masks are critical to performing most noh plays, but a couple hundred different masks were used. The way the wood is carved allows the expression to change, whether it is in the light or shadows. More importantly, the noh mask conveys a unique quality that is different from any human expression. Only the main character of the play, or the "shite," and his equals don masks. The secondary characters just wear makeup. The shite chooses which mask he will wear, and the rest of the costumes and masks are then determined.

Noh Performance

As the action takes place on stage, a nearby chorus echoes some of the characters' words. The chorus's recitation makes it appear that the words do not belong to any one of the characters. The actors are not in control of the lines or the emotions. The ownership of the action moves back and forth between the actors and the chorus, further strengthened by the strong drum beat or flute. All parts of the noh play are scripted, and nothing is improvised.

References

• Noh Masks
• Noh Drama
• Okina Masks