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 …

A kabuki tokoyama with various wigs backstage at a traditional theater. In kabuki, the hairstyle, and more specifically the wig, is an important element of the art, as no actor appears on stage without one. [3] The craftsmen who comb the actors' hair are called tokoyama. [3]

It was originally a method of using hair to hold a samurai kabuto helmet steady atop the head in battle, and became a status symbol among Japanese society. In a traditional Edo-period chonmage, the top of the head is shaved.

‘Kabuki’ was the famous and fashionable amusement of this age. Girls admired the Kabuki players, and imitated the styles. Some harlots created their own, original hairstyles.

Right: A print of a kabuki actor, Otani Oniji III, wearing a chonmage style by Sharaku, a famous Japanese ukiyo-e artist (Photo courtesy of ColBase <https://colbase.nich.go.jp/>) Top: A depiction of Murasaki Shikibu, a noble court lady and the author of The Tale of Genji, one of the first novels in the world. Her hair is worn long and down, as ...

Mar 25, 2000 · Katsura are almost equal in importance to the costumes themselves, and tremendous attention is paid to the details of this finely crafted prop; from its perfect fit around the forehead to the final...

Most wigs are made of human hair but some are made of horse hair or, bear fur or yak-tail hair imported from Tibet. In the old days some wigs were made by painstakingly sewing on one hair at a time. Dr. Jukka O. Miettinen of the Theater Academy Helsinki wrote: Costuming in …

These wigs are prepared and maintained for each performance and some are even designed specifically for certain characters. These wigs can be made from human hair but some are made from yak-tail hair which is imported from Tibet, bear fur, and horse hair.

Sep 11, 2023 · Today, this distinctive hairstyle is primarily worn by kabuki actors and sumo wrestlers, and its removal is considered a significant moment in a wrestler's retirement ceremony. Discover the fascinating history behind Chonmage and explore the cultural significance of this timeless hairstyle.

The most gorgeous costumes and wigs belong to the top-ranking courtesans with their extravagant obi sashes and their many precious hair ornaments. In kabuki, no expense is ever spared! Real gold and silver thread is frequently used and, hand-made by the most skilful artisans, some costumes can be worth a serious fortune!