Illustrated scroll of samples of Noh masks and a record of props, in Japanese "Noh-men hinagata emono hikae" のうめん ひながた えもの ひかえ

Access and use

Location of collection:
George Mason University
2400 Fenwick Library
Special Collections Research Center
Fenwick Library MS2FL
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Mieko Palazzo
Phone: (703) 993-2220
Fax: (703) 993-2669
Restrictions:

There are no access restrictions.

Terms of access:

Public Domain. There are no known restrictions.

Preferred citation:

Illustrated scroll of samples of Noh masks and a record of props, in Japanese "Noh-men hinagata emono hikae," C0495, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Summary

Extent:
.5 Linear Feet 1 scroll
Creator:
George Mason University. Libraries. Special Collections Research Center
Abstract:
An illustrated scroll - or emakimono - of samples of masks and a record of props used in Noh theater, created circa late 19th century or early 20th century. The scroll measures nearly 30 feet in length when unrolled and is constructed of individual illustrated leaves that have been adhered together to create the scroll. When rolled, the scroll is housed in a wooden box.
Language:
Japanese .
Preferred citation:

Illustrated scroll of samples of Noh masks and a record of props, in Japanese "Noh-men hinagata emono hikae," C0495, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

An illustrated scroll - or emakimono - of samples of masks and a record of props used in Noh theater. The scroll measures nearly 30 feet in length when unrolled and is constructed of individual illustrated leaves that have been adhered together to create the scroll. When rolled, the scroll is housed in a wooden box. The scroll features illustrations of masks and props from traditional Japanese Noh theatre, including masks of characters from a variety of plays, such as Yama-uba, Hannya, Atsumori, Shunkan, and Ikkaku Sennin.

The scroll was likely used as a visual catalogue of items by a collector of Noh masks and props. It is possible this scroll is a copy of an original scroll, based off of the title's translation.

Biographical / historical:

Noh theatre is a traditional Japanese style of theatre created in the 14th century, and is the oldest continuously performed theatrical tradition in the world. Noh plays, which combine drama, music, and dance, are very structured with specific characters, emotions, words, and costumes. In Noh there are always designated roles (played by men), which in turn determine the masks worn. These masks inform the audience which character is which. Traditionally, Noh masks are carved from Japanese cypress. There are more than 200 Noh masks in use today.

Acquisition information:
Purchased by Steve Gerber on March 16, 2018 from Schubertiade Music.
Processing information:

Processing completed by Amanda Brent in November 2021. EAD markup completed by Amanda Brent in November 2021. This item was formerly part of the Performing Arts Manuscript Materials collection, C0215.

Primary Japanese translation and research credit goes to Yoko Ferguson, Metadata and Cataloging Librarian at George Mason University Libraries. Additional translation and research credit goes to Reiko Yoshimura at the Freer Gallery of Art/Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Library, Smithsonian Institution Libraries.

Arrangement:

This is a single item collection.

Physical location:
R 72, C 3, S 5
Dimensions:
29 ft, 3 in when unrolled.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Nō
Performing arts
Theater
Places:
Japan