Untitled

Unknown

Second half of the 19th century · Silk, cotton, and metallic thread, glass, embroidered satin · Asian Art

The costumes of the Kabuki theater are known for their dramatic effect. The back of this uchikake, or outer robe, confronts the audience with the shocking spectacle of a lioness with bulging glass eyes pushing a cub off a high ledge. The lioness uses this brutal means to test the endurance of her cubs and will only take care of those who manage to climb back up to the promontory where she stands. On the front of the robe another cub is energetically beginning the ascent. The story, of uncertain source, is associated with a holy mountain of Buddhism, Tientai (Tendai, in Japanese), in China.

Artist

Unknown

Date

Second half of the 19th century

Medium

Silk, cotton, and metallic thread, glass, embroidered satin

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Elizabeth Gordon, 1967