Theatre mask "nô" of a beautiful young maiden "zo-onna", beginning of the 20th century ·  Japan · ID: 3053222

Description

light wood, japanese inscription in gold paint on the back

The “nô”-theatre evolved in the 14th century from the antique tradition of religious dances and burlesque plays, which used to be performed in temples. In the course of the time two independant forms developed: the severe “nô” drama and the humorous “kyogen” burlesque.

The primary concern of the “nô” art is to convey “yûgen” to the audience, which means as much as “beauty”, “depth of sentiment”, “gracefulness”, “elegance”. It is essential to convey characters and events through minimal gestures and movements, but not to play in a realistic manner.

Comparing literature

Fahr-Becker, Gabriele (Hg.), Ostasiatische Kunst, Bd. 2, Köln 1998, p. 303