Nō Theatre Masks and Costumes

The traditional form of Japanese musical drama, Nō theatre, was a pastime enjoyed by the samurai. This highly refined type of theatre evolved out of medieval performance traditions and contain many allusions to classical literature. Nō is also influenced by Buddhist philosophy and shamanistic rituals. It is performed on a bare stage and primarily consists of the maincharacter (shite), asupporting actor (waki), a small troupe of musicians and a chorus.

The atmosphere of the performances is ethereal, and this sense of other worldliness isheightened by the use of masks to represent a range of human and supernatural beings. The Nō mask of the character Washibana akujo portrays an 'eagle-nosed fierce old man'. Masks are prized as heirlooms passed down through generations of actors. The Nō mask of Tōgō, dated around 1700, carries an inscription on the back of the mask written in gold lacquer that reads Hōshō-dayu (master Hōshō). It belonged to the actor Norishige, a master of the Hōshō school of Nō Theatre. Tōgō initially represented another variety of wrathful god-likecharacters and later was also used in the role of revengeful ghosts.

Nō costumes worn by performers are known as kosode or karaori, which refers to the style of Nō costume and the fabric that first appeared in Japan in the 16th century. These costumes are bold and colourful with elaborate embroidery.

• Nō costume with phoenix and cloud motif was intended for women's and children's roles and epitomises the taste of the Edo period. The design's balance contrasts with the asymmetrical patterns in dyed kosode robes intended for daily wear. The costume is decorated wth complementary symbols in auspicious Chinese phoenixes and clouds.
• Nō costume, with autumn grasses design is a karaori and consists of intricate autumn grasses, blush cover and chrysanthemum. The simple fence suggests the episode 'The shrine of the field' (Nonomiya) from chapter 10, Sakaki (or 'The green branch') in the Tale of Genji.
• Nō costume, with fishing net design is made in a technique known as nuihaku, which combines embroidery with gold leaf glued onto the fabric. This costume features the motif of drying fish nets, implying a seaside scene, with clouds and background pattern of gold waves. The dominant red colour scheme of the fabric identifies this robe as for use in a young woman's or royal prince's role.