gigaku
Quick Summary
Gigaku is a type of Japanese dance drama that originated in 612 when a Korean musician named Mimashi introduced it from China. It is characterized by the use of stylized wooden masks that cover the entire head and have exaggerated features for visibility at a distance. These masks were carved by Buddhist sculptors, particularly during the Nara period (710–784), and are among the oldest extant masks in the world. Gigaku was eventually superseded by bugaku masks and dance. The term "gigaku" is distinct from "gagaku," which refers to ancient Japanese court music.123
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East Asian artsCommon traditionsCalled kiak in Korea and gigaku in Japan, the Aryan features of some of its masks clearly indicate Indian (or Central Asian) influence. Such complicated genealogies are common in East Asian performing arts.
Read MoreCalled kiak in Korea and gigaku in Japan, the Aryan features of some of its masks clearly indicate Indian (or Central Asian) influence. Such complicated genealogies are common in East Asian performing arts.
Read More- Korean performing artsThree Kingdoms period
…above-mentioned Buddhist masked-dance processional (kiak), originating in southern China and taken to Japan in 612 by a resident of Paekche, Mimaji. No Korean account of kiak survives, but Japanese accounts make clear that it was performed as a Buddhist ceremonial for evangelical purposes.
Read More…above-mentioned Buddhist masked-dance processional (kiak), originating in southern China and taken to Japan in 612 by a resident of Paekche, Mimaji. No Korean account of kiak survives, but Japanese accounts make clear that it was performed as a Buddhist ceremonial for evangelical purposes.
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