 |
|
|
| |
A typical male costume |
|
The puppet's costumes consist
of an under robe (juban), an inner kimono
(kitsuke), an outer jacket (haori) or outer
robe (uchikake), the collar (eri), and the
belt-like sash (obi). In order to give the
dolls' bodies the sensation of softness, the
robes are lightly stuffed with cotton. Further,
there is a hole in the back of the robes to
allow the puppeteer to manipulate the dolls.
For each performance, the costume masters
choose costumes out of many of the same types
of robes of different colors and patterns,
deciding which robes to use with which puppet.
The complete set of robes that they have chosen
is then sent to the puppeteers. |
|
| |
| The puppeteers then take
part in what is called koshirae, or the dressing
of the doll. Because they are used on the
stage, the robes' lose their bright colors,
they become soiled, and in places they are
even worn out. Therefore, they are in constant
need of maintenance and repair. Furthermore,
preparing new sets of costumes for the characters
in a new play is another important task of
the costume masters. |
|
A typical female costume
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright 2004, by the Japan Arts Council. All rights reserved.
|
