Kostiumy w japońskim teatrze kyōgen: estetyka komizmu

Japanese kyōgen theatre is a comedy, and it has developed alongside nō drama from the 14th century on. Both types of theatre are performed even today and new plays for them are written, but the performances take place on a traditional stage, where the stage set and the costumes are traditional, as well. Kyōgen theatre costumes boldly combine humour with elegance and beautiful design. The article introduces the most important elements of basic types of kyōgen costumes and discusses the ornaments used on them, their meaning, and in what way they influence the atmosphere on the stage. The ornaments are both geometrical, from quite simple to more complicated ones (often grid patterns, stripes), and representational, in multiple forms and very rich imagery. The images on the costumes represent animals (often rabbits and hares), birds, fruit and vegetables (who would think a common turnip might look so interesting!), insects and crabs; all sorts of inanimate objects: fishing nets, houses, ox carts, fans, musical instruments etc. These costumes are fascinating examples of Japanese aesthetics: its asymmetry, overlaying of the images, taking part for the whole.