kumadori

Kumadori is a form of makeup used in Japanese Kabuki theatre to signify character type and emotional state. It involves applying a white base makeup to the face, then drawing bold colored lines and patterns over it. The lines emphasize facial features such as the eyes, brows, cheeks, and mouth, and are designed to be visible from a distance under stage lighting. The patterns and colors vary with the character and play, and the overall effect is to transform the actor’s face into a stylized mask that communicates traits at a glance.

Colors in kumadori carry symbolic meaning, though specific meanings can vary by play and troupe. Red lines are commonly associated with strength, virtue, and heroic characters, particularly in aragoto (rough style) roles. Blue or dark lines often signify villainy, treachery, or supernatural elements. Other colors, such as purple or green, may be used to convey nobility, mystery, or fantastical aspects, depending on the character and context. The exact arrangement of lines—their angles, thickness, and where they appear on the face—helps convey the character’s nature to the audience.

Two major style families influence kumadori application. Aragoto (rough or heroic) makeup uses bold, extensive red lines to suggest power and bravado. Wagoto (soft or gentle) employs subtler lines and more natural tones to hint at a refined or tender character. Kumadori patterns are traditionally associated with male roles in Kabuki, though they are employed across a range of performances to communicate character quickly.

Kumadori has been a defining element of Kabuki makeup since the Edo period, contributing to the dramatic visual language that characterizes the art form.