KANZE SCHOOL

Japanese Kanze-ryu school of no theatre (q.v.) known for its emphasis on beauty and elegance. The school was founded in the 14th century by Kan'ami (q.v.), who founded the Yuzaki-za (Yuzaki troupe), the precursor of the Kanze school. The second master, Zeami Motokiyo, completed the basic form of the art under the protection of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Since the Muromachi period (13381573) the Kanze school has been the largest no group in Japanregistering several hundred no musicians and more than half the dues-paying no enthusiasts of Japan.