Ishizu Gyokusen : A Living National Treasure.
The masks have played important roles in various cultural sense ever since they were introduced to Japan.
In Asuka-Nara era, Giraku masks were prosperous. Also, at Buddhist temples Kouraku masks were used, and at Shinto shrines Buraku masks were well seen.
In Muromachiera, Noh masks werte created together with Kyougen dances, performed with the masks on. All of those masks which have 1000years of history are called Kogaku-masks.
Masks used in Buddhist dramas(masques), which were brought to Japan with Chinese Buddhism.
Gyouraku masks used in Buddhist ceremonies.
Buraku masks used in dedicatory dance in Shinto-shrines.
It is a side of Buddha’s face. They came to be produced in modern times as souvenirs.
Noh dance derive from Dengaku and Engaku. The former is a part of rustic Japanese harvest celebrations. It consists mostly of dance and is
performed by villagers. The latter is based on Shinto shrines, performed in harvest celebrations by actors singing and dancing gracefully.
Comedies deriving from Dengaku and Engaku,called are especially called Kyougen.
Copyright (c) Japanese-Mask.com All rights Reserved.