DepartmentAsia
Script book for the Noh Play: Aoi No Ue
NameBook
CultureJapanese
Date1925 (13th year of Taisho Period)
Place madeKyoto, Japan, East Asia, Asia
MediumPaper, ink
Dimensions8 15/16 × 6 5/16 × 3/16 in. (22.75 × 16 × 0.5 cm)
Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of TERAI Ichiyu, A.2018.16.1
Object numberA.2018.16.1
ProvenanceBook was a gift to the donor's Noh mask class from one of his students many years ago. It was specifically published for the Kanze School (for singers).
The donor is a noh mask maker, who was making a mask of hannya, a human female who transforms into a demon due to jealousy and rage, for the ghosts and demons of Japan exhibition. He donated the script, as the demon makes a special appearance in this specific play (as well as others).
The Kanze school of noh theater was known for its emphasis on beauty and elegance. The school was founded in the 14th century and while there are four major schools of not today, it is the largest of the four and has the most performers of all performance groups and schools.
DescriptionPaper book with block printed Japanese characters on front opening left-hand, each page detailed with Japanese characters.
Artist Not Recorded
