Kyogen was painted by Katsumi Asaba in 1981.

Where can I see Kyogen?

Kyogen is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

Kyogen

Katsumi Asaba , 1981

Kyogen is a poster by Katsumi Asaba. It dates from 1981 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. In 1981 a series of twelve posters was produced to promote a UCLA Asian Performing Arts Institute program.

About this work

This 1981 poster by Katsumi Asaba looks like theater art you can hang on your wall. It’s part of twelve bold designs for a UCLA festival on old Japanese shows.

The posters marked five kinds of classic Japanese theater, including Kyogen, a funny short play with masks and simple costumes.

To see more Kyogen posters, check the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Overview

In 1981 a series of twelve posters was produced to promote a UCLA Asian Performing Arts Institute program. Curated by critic Masaru Katsumi, each design highlighted a distinct form of traditional Japanese theatre, dance or music, and was created by a leading Japanese graphic designer.

Subject & Meaning

The Kyōgen poster represents the comic interludes that historically accompanied Noh drama. Kyōgen consists of brief, humorous sketches performed in simple masks and costumes, offering levity within otherwise solemn theatrical presentations.

Technique & Style

Designed by Katsumi Asaba, the poster employs bold graphic elements reminiscent of stage scenery, translating theatrical motifs into a visual format suitable for wall display. The composition balances striking color blocks with stylized silhouettes that evoke the minimalism of traditional performance attire.

History & Provenance

The posters were commissioned for a five‑week tour by the Classical Performing Arts Friendship Mission of Japan, which performed across the University of California, Los Angeles campus and other venues nationwide as part of the institute’s lecture and masterclass series.

Context

Kyōgen’s origins trace back to an 8th‑century Chinese entertainment form that entered Japan and evolved into short comedic episodes inserted into Noh productions. The 1981 poster situates this historic art form within a contemporary Japanese graphic design movement.