Japan, Sculpture Actor With Fan 20th Century Noh Theater

A sculpture representing a Noh theatre "waki" actor with a fan 
In patinated metal, in its wooden box
Origin : Japan
Period : 20th century
Dimensions: 29 x 18 cm (box 32 x 22 cm); total weight 4.2 kg
Very good condition
Ref adequantik 2105495
Noh theatre was created between the 14th and 16th centuries in the form we know today. This classical Japanese theatre represents an allusive and poetic aesthetic. The actors, exclusively men, play either the "shite" (the one who acts), the main character who always wears a mask, or the "waki" (the one on the side), the secondary character who does not wear a mask. The extreme restraint of their movements characterises the motionless tension of Noh. The costumes are associated with specific types of character (warrior, court nobleman, villager, etc.) and their motifs often include references to the current season. They completely cover the actor's body, in a large pyramid shape that contributes to the highly stylised aesthetic of Noh. Apart from the fan, which plays a fundamental role in the dances, accessories are reduced to the bare essentials.