Gigaku

Gigaku (伎楽), also known as kure-gaku (呉楽),[1] refers to an extinct genre of masked drama-dance performance, imported into Japan during the Asuka period.

This lack of strong evidence often makes it difficult for researchers to decipher the true origins of gigaku, and its processes, characters, plots, and performances.

[10][11] These two are said to be analogous to the two Niō or guardian gate statues, who respectively form the open and closed A-un shapes in their mouths.

[10][11] Rikishi and Konron masks are often mixed up due to their similar features, they possess a darker complexion, bulging eyes, large mouths and jutting teeth.

[7] In the ribald performance, the lascivious Kuron falls in lust for the Gojo (Wu woman or Chinese maiden), and expresses his desire by holding up his phallic prop called marakata (陽物(マラカタ)), and beating it with his hand fan.