百ひゃく眼まなこ

noun

use of multiple simple paper masks to show emotions in Edo-period theater

Historical performance technique from the mid-Edo period; an actor would hold several simple paper masks and switch between them to portray different emotions. Related to 百面相.

See also: 百面相

• 百ひゃく眼まなこは、江え戸ど時じ代だいの芝しば居いで役やく者しゃが感かん情じょうを表あらわすために使つかった手しゅ法ほうだ。

  Hyakumanako is a technique used by actors in Edo-period plays to express emotions.

noun

simple paper mask

A single mask used in the 百眼 technique; often a plain paper mask with a simple expression. Compare 目鬘.

See also: 目鬘

• 役やく者しゃは百ひゃく眼まなこと呼よばれる簡かん素そな紙かみの面めんを手てに持もって演えんじた。

  The actor performed holding a simple paper mask called hyakumanako.