Post on 13-Jun-2015
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Japanese MasksJapanese MasksJapanese MasksJapanese MasksDaniel HsuDaniel HsuDaniel HsuDaniel Hsu
HistoryHistoryHistoryHistory
masks, or masks, or マスクマスク (( 仮面仮面 ),), were of great importance in ancient Japan for rituals and also for plays
different characters or creatures depicted with the help of these masks include common people, deities, ghosts, heroes, animals and devils
Masks were used in Japan from 10,000 B.C. Apart from use in plays and rituals, the masks were also used to cover faces of deceased ones
Variety of MasksVariety of MasksVariety of MasksVariety of Masks
Gigaku
Ondekomen
Gyodo
Bugaku Masks
Hannya
Otoko
Uba
Komote
Shikami
GigakuGigakuGigakuGigaku
the oldest form of masks used in Japan
Gigaku is actually a dance drama of ancient Japan and the masks associated with it are therefore known as the gigaku (masks)
brought to Japan from Korea in the 7th century
used to represent faces of different creatures such as birds, lion, demons and superhumans
made from paulownia wood
OndekomenOndekomenOndekomenOndekomen
GyodoGyodoGyodoGyodo
used in representing Buddhist figures, dragon gods, guardian deities and bishamon (buddhist deity)
Most of the gyodo masks found today are from the Heian period
Bugaku MasksBugaku MasksBugaku MasksBugaku Masks
made from cypress wood (some made with dry lacquer and from the 8th century can also be found)
cover only the face and not ears
HannyaHannyaHannyaHannya
represents a woman turned demon
represents the expression of anger and resentment of a vengeful woman
the red colored mask is associated with anger of higher intensity
OtokoOtokoOtokoOtoko
used to represent young people who enjoy a high status in society, like warriors
men with hair at the sides portray a simple person without an aristocratic look
UbaUbaUbaUba
represent old women and 'Takasago' is the play in which they are most commonly used
carved and colored with gray hair in order to depict the old age of the women
furrows and lines on the mask also helps define its identity of an woman
KomoteKomoteKomoteKomote
represents a calm, composed and beautiful face of a woman
used by men who played female characters in Noh plays
ShikamiShikamiShikamiShikami
a demon mask with features such as fang-like teeth, furrowed brow and a snarling mouth
displays a ferocious expression
the color represents anger or rage
the teeth is colored with metallic gold
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