Kumadori is makeup used for theatrical performances. Specifically, Kabuki — a stylized form of Japanese theater, which is known for its spectacular drama and the intricate makeup worn by the actors. Kumadori makeup emphasizes the actors’ underlying muscles and veins to evoke dramatic emotions and expressions.
Kabuki actors traditionally use a white powder called oshiroi as a foundation, an important contrasting base. However, prior to the mid 19th century, the lead used in oshiroi caused many Kabuki actors to suffer from lead poisoning. Lead-based makeups were banned in 1934, but many actors resisted the ban because they believed lead-based products made them look more beautiful.
So, in 1954, Kanebo produced its first non-lead-based oshiroi makeup — one both safe for the skin and effective in creating the desired appearance. We worked with renowned Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro XI (1909-1965) to meet actors’ high-quality expectations.
It was no surprise that Danjuro, a master of complex Kabuki dance, demanded quality as close to perfection as possible. Kabuki actors need white powder to prevent color bleeding caused by excessive oil and sweat, with an easy-to-apply, lump-free consistency. Oshiroi must also look impeccable and defined under special stage lights, and provide a stunning contrast to the colorful kumadori makeup. After endless prototypes, back-and-forth tests and communication between Danjuro and Kanebo makeup specialists, pain, and challenges — we ultimately met all the specific qualities Danjuro needed.
In 1960, six years after our first stage white powder, we finally completed Butai Oshiroi (Stage Color). Ichikawa Danjuro XI was overjoyed with the results. He secured all the approvals required to use the joshiki-maku stripe pattern, traditionally used on Kabuki stage curtains, on the packaging. Stage Color is an accomplishment in makeup and function, developed in close collaboration with Danjuro XI. It’s still widely used and loved by theater and movie production communities, including Kabuki actors of the Ichikawa family. Butai Oshiroi marks the beginning of Kanebo’s functional foundation. Created with a collaborative spirit — fused with a passion for the arts and cosmetics— its unique product development still influences Kanebo creators today.
FAQs
What is the special type of makeup used in Kabuki? ›
Kumadori is makeup used for theatrical performances. Specifically, Kabuki — a stylized form of Japanese theater, which is known for its spectacular drama and the intricate makeup worn by the actors. Kumadori makeup emphasizes the actors' underlying muscles and veins to evoke dramatic emotions and expressions.
What color of Kabuki makeup shows passion or anger? ›Red symbolizes strength and passion. Indigo blue and black represent fear and malevolence, often worn by villains and demons. Green signifies ghosts or supernatural beings. Purple signifies nobility.
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 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 makeup called? ›Kumadori (隈取) is the stage makeup worn by kabuki actors, mostly when performing kabuki plays in the aragoto style. The term also applies to a painting method in which two brushes are used simultaneously, one for the color and the other used to create shading or other details.
What are the unique features of Kabuki? ›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 the Kabuki makeup syndrome? ›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 does red mean in Kabuki makeup? ›One characteristic style of kabuki makeup is called kumadori, in which the color and the way of painting the lines changes according to the role. From left: RED for youth, justice, anger and bombastic strength, especially in aragoto style plays. INDIGO for a villain or evil spirit.
What does Kabuki makeup symbolize? ›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 kind of makeup do Japanese use? ›Unlike the Western makeup, Japanese makeup emphasize the size and puffiness of eye-bags. Some people don't have eye bags at all, so they make it by using concealer or glitter. Also, red lipsticks are preferred since they go well with winter clothes and make you look tighter.
Does Kabuki use masks or makeup? ›
kabuki masks are used in conjunction with other props and stage sets to create a complete performance. Kabuki masks and makeup are worn by actors during performances of kabuki plays. The actors also wear traditional kabuki costumes, which are also highly stylized and symbolic.
What is Kabuki made of? ›Kabuki, traditional Japanese popular drama with singing and dancing performed in a highly stylized manner. A rich blend of music, dance, mime, and spectacular staging and costuming, it has been a major theatrical form in Japan for four centuries.