Haori / Kitsuke (Kabuki costume), Target and arrow design on light green satin ground, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Takagi Kiyo)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 9
October 12, 2016 (Wed) - December 15, 2016 (Thu)
Kabuki performances run in the eleventh month of the old lunar calendar introduced actors who were scheduled to appear at the three official Kabuki theaters of Edo (now Tokyo) in the coming year. The majority of the Kabuki costumes in the collection of the Tokyo National Museum were once worn by Bando Mitsue. With a focus on Kabuki costumes for male roles, this exhibition showcases the beauty of the costumes’ gorgeous, thick embroidery, large, eye-catching patterns, and designs of vivid colors that are unique to Kabuki.
Current exhibit includes:
Haori (Kabuki costume), Target and arrow design on light green satin ground, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Takagi Kiyo)
Kitsuke (Kabuki costume), Trefoil myoga ginger crests on green satin ground, Formerly used by Bando Mitsue, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Takagi Kiyo)
Omigoromo (Kabuki costume), Cloud and autumn grasses design on purple satin ground, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mrs. Henry)