Kabuki is one of Japan's many traditional art forms. While it has very extravagant outfits and makeup, did you know there is actually a reason behind it all?
Let's shine a spotlight on the makeup portion of this art form and take a look into the meaning behind it.
Makeup Changes Depending on Role
Within Kabuki, the makeup a character has can actually tell you what role they're going to be playing during the performance.
First of all, the actor's face is covered completely in one color. White is for the virtuous characters or nobles, while brown is mostly used for townspeople or villains, and red is purely used for villains.
The main character in a story will typically always be pure white. This is because it helps them stand out during the performance.
The Kabuki world is often split into 2 groups, thekikugorou gekidan and thekichiemon gekidan, which one the performer identifies with is dependent on family lineage.
Withinkikugorou gekidan, female characters are unable to paint their face white, and instead use tonoko, which gives a more true-to-life image. On the other hand,kichiemon gekidan main role actors ensure to paint their faces pure white.
When Talking About Kabuki Masks, What's "Kumadori" All About?
Kumadori is a form of face painting that emphasizes the face's muscles and veins. It's often used to express emotion on the faces of the actors.
"Kuma" refers to the shadow created when light hits the face. Within stages that use kumadori, the programs are typically referred to as "jidaimono". Jidaimono refers to performances that depict the lives of people during the Edo Period and past, things such as samurai and noble societies.
Kumadori colors are also dependent on the role of the actor. Red represents justice and bravery, as well as passionate youth. Blue represents coldheartedness and evil, with the majority of parts that use it being villain roles or ghosts. Brown is used for demons and ghosts.
Makeup Displays the Individuality of the Actor
Actors within kabuki will typically do their own makeup. It's because of this that the individuality of the actors comes out within their makeup. There are even people who finish their makeup in around 10 minutes.
Children will typically have their seniors do their makeup for them. Remembering how to do your own makeup is actually one of the steps to becoming a true kabuki actor.
When applying makeup, you must first start from what is known as bintsuke abura which is applied to not only your face but also your neck anddécolleté, after that you paint your face white. Then, finally, on top of the white, you can then apply black, red, and blue lines. To apply these colors, you can use a brush or your finger.
To see the actual methods for applying kabuki makeup, check out this article:
FAQs
Another symbolism of kabuki masks and makeup varies depending on the character and emotions being portrayed such as warriors, demons, and old men or conveying different emotions, such as anger, sadness, and joy. Also, some common themes in kabuki theatre include beauty, power, and tragedy.
What is the meaning of kabuki makeup? ›
The traditional method of Kabuki makeup is referred to as Kumadori. Kuma means “lines or wrinkles” and dori means “draw.” Kumadori makeup rapidly signals information to the audience about the personality of a character.
What does a kabuki actor's makeup tell us about their character? ›
The colors used for the kuma each have their own meaning. For example, crimson red beniguma can express a sense of justice, courage, or hot-blooded youth, indigo blue aiguma may show large-scale villainy or a vengeful ghost, and light brown chaguma can indicate ogres and spirits.
What is the message of kabuki? ›
Although the basic purposes of Kabuki are to entertain and to allow the actors to demonstrate their skills, there is a didactic element, an ideal represented by the notion of kanzen-chōaku (“reward the virtuous and punish the wicked”).
Who was behind the kabuki mask? ›
Yokai's mask was a powerful mask worn by robotics expert Professor Robert Callaghan while under the supervillain alias Yokai. It was a white mask with red markings and yellow eyes, giving it a sinister Kabuki appearance. It was equipped with a neurotransmitter, giving Yokai the ability to control the microbots.
What do the colors of the kabuki mask mean? ›
The most commonly used colors are dark red, which represents anger, passion, or cruelty, and dark blue, which represents sadness or depression. Other common colors are pink, representing youth or cheerfulness; light blue or green, representing calm; purple for nobility; brown for selfishness; and black for fear.
What symbolizes kabuki? ›
In Kabuki theater, actors wear elaborate costumes and makeup representing traditional Japanese culture. It is known for its creative and symbolic use of props. A paper fan, a popular Kabuki prop, can be used to represent a tray, a sunrise, the wind, rain, cutting with a knife, drinking, and much more.
What makes kabuki special? ›
Important characteristics of Kabuki theatre include its particular music, costumes, stage devices and props as well as specific plays, language and acting styles, such as the mie, in which the actor holds a characteristic pose to establish his character.
What is a kabuki used for? ›
Usually, a kabuki brush is used to apply loose powdered make-up, such as foundation, face powder, or blush, on large surfaces of the face. Because of its design, the brush blends powdered makeup evenly on the skin and creates natural-looking coverage.
What is the primary purpose of kabuki Theatre makeup and costumes? ›
The unique make-up called "Kumadori" also has the role of emphasizing the emotions and facial expressions of the character. Red kumadori expresses courage and justice, blue kumadori expresses ruthlessness and evil, and brown kumadori is used for imaginary beings such as youkai and demons.
The name of this disorder comes from the resemblance of its characteristic facial appearance to stage makeup used in traditional Japanese Kabuki theater. People with Kabuki syndrome may have mild to severe developmental delay and intellectual disability.
What is the main character in kabuki? ›
The hero or chief protagonist of a kabuki play is nearly always a tachiyaku role, and the head of a troupe or acting family typically specializes in these roles.
What is true about the makeup of Kabuki? ›
In Kabuki theater, actors wear elaborate costumes and makeup representing traditional Japanese culture. Along with movement and vocal expression, highly stylized, nonrealistic makeup and wigs are used to create characters. The traditional method of Kabuki makeup is referred to as Kumadori.
What is Kabuki answer? ›
Kabuki (歌舞伎, かぶき) is a classical form of Japanese theatre, mixing dramatic performance with traditional dance. Kabuki theatre is known for its heavily stylised performances, its glamorous, highly decorated costumes, and for the elaborate kumadori make-up worn by some of its performers.
Why is Kabuki important today? ›
Today, 'kabuki' is recognized internationally as one of Japan's great performing arts. Essentially a popular theatre, it has always reflected the tastes and fashions of the townspeople.
What does the red lines in kabuki makeup indicate? ›
Kabuki actors wore thick makeup designed to express the characters they represented. Red stripes around cheeks and eyes signified power and youth, and indigo blue signified a negative attribute.
What are the two types of kabuki makeup? ›
Kabuki makeup, called kesho, came in two types: standard makeup applied to most actors and kumadori makeup which was applied to villains and heroes.
What is the meaning of kabuki costumes? ›
Kabuki costuming is 'extremely elaborate' making the emotions/meaning more pronounced. The costumes signify the class, traits and age of a character by colour, contour and textile. Generally, however, not all three are strongly depicted at once.
