Description
This item is a set of four Japanese pottery dishes. Each dish has a different design, depicting a scenery quoted from a Nohgaku (能楽). The Noh (能) was established in the Muromachi period (14th century) and is a representative Japanese classical performing art that has refined its unique style over a history of over 600 years. The designs of these four dishes are related to the Noh program. You could use these plates as tableware or display them as ornamentals.
A: Its theme is called Tadanobu (忠信). The story centers around Minamoto no Yoshitsune (源 義経, 1159-1189), the half-brother of Minamoto no Yoritomo (源 頼朝, 1147-1199), the first Shogun of the Kamakura shogunate. And Yoshitsune’s vassal, Sato Tadanobu (佐藤 忠信, 1161-1186) is the principal character. The story is about Yoshitsune being chased out of the capital by his older brother and running away. Tadanobu followed Yoshitsune and hid in Mt. Yoshino, and when mountain monks attacked them, he fought in Yoshitsune’s place. The weapon Tadanobu used at this time was a bow and arrow.
B: Okina (翁, older man) is the theme of this plate’s design. It is a song that has been passed down since ancient times, and its origins lie beyond history and are shrouded in mystery. It is said to be a particular song among the many performances, and it does not belong to any category, and there is no story. It is a sacred ceremony, and the performers act as gods and perform a dance to pray for peace and peace in the country.
C: You would see an elderly couple. Takasago (高砂) is the theme of this design. The synopsis is that Tomonari (友成), the priest of Aso (阿蘇), meets an elderly couple in Takasago no Ura, Harima (播磨) Province, and hears about the story of the pine trees of Takasago and Sumiyoshi (住吉) growing together. Tomonari was invited by the two to head to Sumiyoshi, Settsu (摂津) Province. And he saw the appearance of Sumiyoshi Myojin (住吉明神). Takasago is a congratulatory design where an old couple is often portrayed under an old pine tree. This theme is pleased in celebration situations, especially weddings, and praying to be married for many years.
D: While we are unsure, we estimate this design expresses the Ryōko (龍虎) theme. A monk goes to the continent searching for Buddhist ruins, meets an old woodcutter and a man, and hears about the battle between dragons and tigers. The synopsis of this performance is that a fierce battle takes place in front of the monk’s eyes between a dragon who creates clouds and a tiger who creates wind. The story is set not in Japan but in a foreign country and depicts a battle between non-humans and different species.
*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.
【About us】
Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
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【How to make sure the condition】
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