Noh Mask

This is a mask of Okina (翁; elderly person), also known as Hakushikijō (白色尉/白式尉; white okina). Okina refers to a ritual performance known as Shikisanban (式三番; three-piece rituals) and also to the name of the white mask of okina, worn by the shite (シテ; main actor) in nō or noh (能) theatre. Nōgaku or nohgaku (能楽) is a traditional Japanese performing art and is divided into three fields: Noh play, Okina/Shikisanban and Kyōgen (狂言). Okina is performed before the formal program of noh play and does not have any narrative. It is often said, “Okina is noh, but not noh.” It is performed for special occasions such as New Year’s festivities and prayers for peace and prosperity of the nation. Versions of Okina, usually called Okinamai (翁舞) are still performed at Shinto shrines by different kinds of performers. Shikisanban (式三番) is usually performed by three actors: the shite (シテ; main actor) who plays Okina, another noh actor, who plays Senzai (千歳) and a kyōgenkata (狂言方; kyogen actor) who plays Sanbasō (三番叟; third okina elderly person). Senzai acts, usually without a mask, to purify the stage before Okina dons his mask and performs. The dance of Okina is followed by a dance by Sanbasō. There is a version to include two other characters, Chichinojō (父尉) and Enmeikaja (延命冠者), but it is not as common as in the past.

Noh Okina (翁) mask, depicting an old man. Mask is carved from wood, with exaggerated wrinkles on brow and cheeks, down-turning eyes, a wide nose, and incised lines on upper lip indicating a mustache. The mask is painted light grey with black accents and a red mouth. The separated chin (切顎; kiriago) is attached with strands of fibre on either side of the mouth, with a long beard, possibly of horse hair, falling from chin and lower lip. Bushy circles of fibre above the eyes represent eyebrows. A long, cream coloured, braided tie is attached to either side of the mask. The inside is painted black.