紅地菊萩桔梗模様唐織|Noh Robe (Karaori) with Autumn Flowers and Grasses

Unknown

first half of the 19th century · Twill-weave silk brocade with supplementary weft patterning in metallic thread · Asian Art

Once Noh theater was embraced by the military elite, costumes turned more elaborate. Karaori (literally, “Chinese weave”) in exquisite patterns became one of the standard outer robes for female roles. The design here features autumn grasses and blossoms—chrysanthemum branches, bush clovers, and balloon flowers—in vivid hues and gold against a rich backdrop composed of auspicious interlocking circles (shippō-tsunagi) woven with gold thread on red ground. The red color (iro-iri) indicates that the costume was made for the role of a beautiful young woman.

Artist

Unknown

Date

first half of the 19th century

Medium

Twill-weave silk brocade with supplementary weft patterning in metallic thread

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891