Scenes from Kyōgen Theater [right of a pair] c. mid 19th century

Fukushima Chikaharu painted these scenes from Kyōgen Theater on a six-panel screen, sometime in the 19th century. Kyōgen plays were traditionally performed as interludes during the more serious Noh theater, offering comic relief. This screen encapsulates some of that playful spirit, showing us stock characters in mid-performance. We see their exaggerated costumes and gestures. Theater in the Edo period, from 1603 to 1868, was heavily regulated by the shogunate in an effort to maintain rigid social hierarchies. Kyōgen's humor often poked fun at those in power, providing a safely sanctioned form of social critique. The choice of silver leaf as a background might refer to the wealth of the patrons who enjoyed these plays. Understanding the social role of Kyōgen requires us to look at play texts, government records, and theater programs. Each of these resources helps us understand the complex relationship between art, entertainment, and social commentary.