Kabuki and the Costumes
Theatre would not be it is without its costumes. Characters would not have differences and recognizable traits without having something that would help audiences notice them. Kimonos are a traditional Japanese garment that have a lot of symbolic significance in every stich. Japanese culture believe that imagery can tell stories to those willing to listen or in this case watch. Each kimono is created specifically for each play and the character playing a certain role.
Shown are two exquisite embroidered silk kimonos showing the skill of the person or persons who created the costumes. The lobster kimono could be from a story of a merchant who sold seafood to his home town and told his story of his travels and what he endured. The other kimono is of a tree and could be the story of a great warrior and how he conquered many lands and created roots into the whole of Japan.
First image is from the book. According to a rare books seller, the date that this book could have been from the late 60's. The importance of Kabuki skyrocketed after WWII. Japan needed an outlet to distact its people and also gain revenue back into the country. They would build theatres all around Japan and advertise the great samaurai stories and the war stories of the soldiers who died during the war to incite hope and courage into the people.
Shown are images from behind the scenes. As popularity once again started in the upkeep of kabuki the demand of tradition became greater. Kabuki theatres are mainly male actors and women are forbidden to perform. There are some theaters that have women acting, but traditonally the cast would be all men. The men would paint their faces white like shown in the image to help accentuate their features or hide that they are playing a female role. Men who would play female roles were usually young slim men who could play the part better than those who were seen as "stereotypical" males.
The other image is of wigs that one would see during the performance. (Left) Chikaragami, Folded Japanese paper to attach to wigs, is used for the role of a hero to symbolize power of justice. 1. For "dammari" (pantomime), and for Kakuhan 2. For the demon in "Dojoji" 3. Tuft for a samurai in a leading part 4. For Iruka in "Imoseyama"; for Daizen in "Kinkakuji". (Right) 1. Fukiwa (top left of page) wig for the role of a princess. 2. wig for a wife of a noble or lord. 3. Katahazushi for the role of maid-in-waiting or a wife of a samurai of high rank. 4. Bunkin Shimada for a daughter of a samurai 7. Katsuyama for a maid in a samurai house or a wife of a samurai.