noun
gigaku; ancient masked dance-drama
Historical term for a genre of masked performance that came to Japan from the Asian continent around the 7th century. No longer performed, but studied in the history of Japanese theater.
伎楽は飛鳥時代に日本に伝わったとされる。
Gigaku is said to have been introduced to Japan in the Asuka period.
正倉院には伎楽面が保存されている。
Gigaku masks are preserved in the Shōsōin.