Aisomegawa, from the series "Pictures of No Performances (Nogaku Zue)" 1898

Tsukioka Kôgyo created this print, Aisomegawa, as part of his series "Pictures of No Performances." Here, the central figure, likely a Shite, or main actor, wears a mask symbolizing a specific character in the Noh play. The mask itself is a potent symbol, transforming the actor and invoking the spirit of the character they portray. Notice the long hair. In many cultures, hair symbolizes vitality and strength. Think of Samson, whose power resided in his locks. In Noh, such symbols are not mere decoration, but are integral to the performance. It serves as a vessel for the character’s emotions and story. These archetypes transcend time, reappearing in various forms. Consider the tragic hero, a figure found in ancient Greek dramas and modern cinema. Such characters tap into our collective memory, eliciting profound empathy and understanding.