Description

Noh (N?, derived from the Sino-Japanese word for “skill” or “talent”), is a major form of classical Japanese dance-drama that has been performed since the 14th century. Developed by Kan’ami and his son Zeami, it is the oldest major theatre art that is still regularly performed today.? Although the terms Noh and n?gaku are sometimes used interchangeably, n?gaku encompasses both Noh and ky?gen. Traditionally, a full n?gaku program includes five Noh plays with comedic ky?gen plays in between; an abbreviated program of two Noh plays with one ky?gen piece has become common today. Optionally, an okina play may be presented at the very beginning of the n?gaku presentation.

Noh is often based on tales from traditional literature with a supernatural being transformed into human form as a hero narrating a story. Noh integrates masks, costumes and various props in a dance-based performance, requiring highly trained actors and musicians. Emotions are primarily conveyed by stylized conventional gestures while the iconic masks represent roles such as ghosts, women, children, and the elderly. Written in late middle Japanese, the text “vividly describes the ordinary people of the twelfth to sixteenth centuries”.? Having a strong emphasis on tradition rather than innovation, Noh is extremely codified and regulated by the iemoto system.

The Namahage are demonlike beings portrayed by men wearing hefty oni (ogre) masks and traditional straw capes (mino) during a New Year’s ritual, in local northern Japanese folklore of the Oga Peninsula area of Akita Prefecture.

• Contains 1 oz. Troy of .999 Fine Silver
• Obverse: Namahage on Decorative Background.? The word “NAMAHAGE” across the top circumference.

• Reverse: Large Intaglio Mint logo surrounded by plain border reading ?ONE TROY OUNCE? above and ?.999 FINE SILVER,? flanked by stars.