Noh Art Masks
1. Noh Masks
There are various art masks, such as Noh masks which are worn in Noh musical dramas. In these musicals, all roles were traditionally played by men (just like in the time of Shakespeare in the Western world where all roles were performed by men. Yes, even in Romeo and Juliet. Noh performances are usually serious and solemn. Noh masks are still used today. They have complex designs and are so well made that the masks can show different facial expressions, depending on the angle from which they are viewed. One moment they can look sad, or anger from another angle. These masks are amazing.
2. Kyogen Masks
Kyogen is usually performed as comic relief during intermissions in Noh theatres. Usually, non-human roles are performed.
3. Onnamen Masks
Since women do not traditionally act in Noh, men play female roles and wear onna-men (woman’s) masks. These masks can also take on many forms, from beautiful women to working-class women to older, middle-aged women.
4. Hannya
A specific major figure in Noh theatre is Hannya, a jealous female demon. They are portrayed as a female with much jealousy and hatred with long horns, sharp teeth, and distorted eyes. Like onnamen masks, Hannya masks display a complex number of emotions depending on how the light catches the features of the mask. When an actor wearing a Hannya mask looks directly at the audience they see an angry female face; however, if Hannya looks at the ground, an illusion is created where she almost looks as though she is crying.
Colour in Hannya masks represent different standings of the character: a white mask means a woman of refined character, red is for those who are a little less refined, while the darkest of reds is reserved for the evilest of all the demons – a woman completely lost in her own jealousy.