Noh mask categories chart

This section introduces different approaches to the categorization of noh masks:

1. According to the five play categories (goban-date), with the addition of Okina at the beginning. Shikisanban, Jō – old men, Otoko -men, Onna – women, Onryō – spirits, Kijin – demons. Go to this chart.
2. Alternative categorization elaborated by Yokomichi Mario, in which masks are divided into four general categories: human-like, supernatural, animal, and Buddha. Go to this chart.
3. An additional chart displays a subdivision of the masks that different shite school consider representative for that major roles (e.g. old man, young warrior.

We have limited the list in the first chart to several representative masks for each group. The associated plays for each mask are only suggestive of the possibilities. Schools often allow for a choice of different masks for the portrayal of the same role. Choice within this range may depend on the interpretation of the actor, on the variation (kogaki), or on the ranking and experience of the actor. Different schools allow for different mask use:  learning and appreciating such differences is part of the pleasures of noh.

Note: Use the search function to filter entries. Use macrons: (e.g. Ko-jō, NOT Ko-jo).

The following categorization subdivides masks into three main groups: old, female, and male. Each mask group is further subdivided into two subgroups, indicating whether the mask is used to represent a supernatural being (god, demon, ghost, or other spirits) or a living being.

This categorization is useful as it points out how masks are not used for the portrayal of male living beings. In the noh convention, such characters are portrayed without a mask (hitamen), but the facial expression is kept to a minimum.

*There are exceptions to this rule. Masks are used to portray the following live characters: the ‘three blinds’ (Semimaru, Yorobōshi, Kagekiyo); roles of young temple acolyte (Kasshiki); roles of Chinese men (Kantan-otoko); the bandit Kumasaka (Chōrei-beshimi); the exiled priest Shunkan (Shunkan). Masks are also used for the portrayal of supernatural beings disguised as male humans in the following cases: a god or immortal (Dōji); a demon (Ayakashi). Child actors (kokata) do not wear masks, regardless of the role. While kyōgen plays feature characters of animals (monkeys, horses, insects, etc.) noh plays only portray mythical animals (shishi lions, shikami malevolent beasts, and dragons) which should not be understood as elements of the natural realm. The only exception would be the character of the white heron in the noh Sagi, which is performed without a mask.

Goban-date categorization

Alternative categorization (Yokomichi Mario)

Displays a categorization elaborated by Yokomichi Mario. Masks are divided into four general categories: human-like, supernatural, animal, buddha. The first two categories, human-like and supernatural are in turn subdivided into three groups: old (male), female, and male. See Iwanami Kōza Noh-Kyōgen IV p. 21

Typical roles and masks divided by shite school (Yokomichi Mario)

Contributor: Diego Pellecchia