Noh and Kabuki: The Beauty of Karaori, Noh Costumes Formerly Owned by the Uesugi Family
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Karaori Noh Costume, Design of ramie leaves, wisterias, and shikishi and tanzaku poem cards on a red and brown checkered ground, Passed down by the Uesugi clan, Edo period, 18th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 9
February 26, 2019 (Tue) - April 21, 2019 (Sun)The word "karaori" translates as "Chinese weave," though it actually refers to a type of brocade that was developed in Japan from around the 16th century and used in costumes for female roles in Noh theater. Uesugi Tsunanori (1663–1704) and Uesugi Shigesada (1720–1798), the fourth and eighth generation heads of the Uesugi family of Yonezawa Domain, were particularly renowned admirers of Noh theater. This love for Noh is on clear display in this collection of lavish karaori garments.
Current exhibit includes:
Karaori Noh Costume, Design of hardy begonias and baskets on a brown ground, Passed down by the Uesugi clan, Edo period, 18th century
Karaori Noh Costume, Design of ramie leaves, wisterias, and shikishi and tanzaku poem cards on a red and brown checkered ground, Passed down by the Uesugi clan, Edo period, 18th century
Karaori Noh Costume, Design of triple hexagons, courtly carriages, and books on a red and light blue checkered ground, Passed down by the Uesugi clan, Edo period, 18th century
Karaori Noh Costume, Design of [shippo] interlocking circles and framed pictures on a red ground, Passed down by the Uesugi clan, Edo period, 18th century