kabuki mask
Stylized dramatic disguise
A kabuki mask is a stylized face covering used in traditional Japanese kabuki theater, with exaggerated features and bold colors representing specific character types—heroes, villains, demons, or spirits.
Figuratively, a kabuki mask suggests a fixed, theatrical expression that conceals true feelings: His smile was a kabuki mask hiding his frustration.
- nohClassical Japanese dramatic form
- geishaJapanese arts entertainer
- theaterVenue for live drama
- performing artsLive creative presentation disciplines
- japanHard decorative varnish
Japanese art · traditional Japanese · demon · oni · painted · white · red · red lines · costume · drama · actor · stylized · wooden · expression · samurai · kimono · stage · ceremonial