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Okame and The Whistler
 Okame, also known as
Uzume or Otafuku is the name for the female half of a traditional
Japanese Kyogen theatre pair. She is considered to be the goddess
of mirth and is frequently seen in Japanese art. Her full cheeks and merry
eyes are an unforgettable sight and a delight to behold. Some Japanese scholars theorize that long ago, when the
first Okame images were created, they may have represented an idealized
form of feminine beauty. Styles and tastes are subject to change, and the
ancient Japanese might be surprised to learn that the name Okame is today
sometimes used as a less-than-appreciated joking taunt by Japanese husbands and
boyfriends who haven't yet learned better. In contrast, a famous and
contemporary Japanese Kyogen actor once commented that the countenance of
Okame is what every man hopes his bride will look like on his wedding
night...
 Okame
if often paired with a male character by the name of Usobuki (aka
Hyotoko). Usobuki is also known as "The Whistler" as he usually appears to be in
the process of blowing with all his might through pursed lips. His
countenance in remarkable for its expression of forceful effort; and his puffy
cheeks, bulging eyes and furrowed brow have been used to portray a wide range of
characters within the Kyogen repertoire. Usobuki masks have
been used to depict everything from comical human characters to the spirits of
plants, fish and insects; including mosquitoes, mushrooms and even pine resin!
Perhaps most memorable of all is Usobuki's appearance as a sinner on his
way to hell in a play titled "A Sinner with References."
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The Old Tokaido |
Research on Okame:
Kittredge Cherry. "Womansword."
Tokyo, New York, London: Kodansha International, 2002
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