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Japanese Meiji Period Kyogen Comic Theater Wooden Mask of a Black Man, 1910

$3,200
£2,440.74
€2,779.41
CA$4,496.98
A$4,904.58
CHF 2,598.12
MX$58,799
NOK 33,088.47
SEK 30,256.95
DKK 20,764.92

About the Item

Japanese Meiji Period Kyogen Comic Theater Wooden Mask of a Black Man Circa 1910 DIMENSIONS Height: 11 inches Width: 8 inches Depth: 4.5 inches ABOUT Kyogen theater masks used in Comic Theater were inspired by the black people brought from Africa to Japan by the Portuguese.Japanese Kyogen Comic Theater, where Kyōgen (狂言), meaning “mad words” or “wild speech,” is a form of traditional Japanese comic theater that developed alongside the more solemn and serious Noh theater. While Noh focuses on themes like tragedy, spirituality, and the supernatural, Kyōgen is comedic, satirical, and down-to-earth, often highlighting the absurdities of everyday life. Kyōgen originated in the 14th century and was refined during the Muromachi period (1336–1573). It shares roots with sarugaku, an earlier performance style, and has been passed down through traditional family lineages like the Ōkura and Izumi schools. Kyōgen continues to be performed in Japan today and is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity alongside Noh. Key Features of Kyōgen: • Style: Spoken rather than chanted, with exaggerated speech and movements to emphasize humor. • Themes: Everyday scenarios—misunderstandings, tricks, foolish behavior, and class-based satire. • Characters: Usually commoners, servants, or bumbling officials; characters are typically archetypes. • Performance: Often performed as comic interludes between Noh plays, but also staged independently. • Language: Uses classical Japanese, but in a more accessible and colloquial tone than Noh. • Masks and Costumes: Simpler than Noh; actors often don’t wear masks unless playing non-human characters. History context: Meiji Period (1868-1912)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11 in (27.94 cm)Width: 8 in (20.32 cm)Depth: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)
  • Style:
    Japonisme (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Wood,Carved
  • Period:
    1910-1919
  • Date of Manufacture:
    ca. 1910
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. We make our best effort to provide a fair and descriptive condition report. Please examine photos attentively, as they are part of the description. Send us a message to request more details or discuss price.
  • Seller Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2819347696332

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