Noh Costume (Karaori) with Lozenges, Paulownia, Chrysanthemums, and Cherry Trees, Formerly owned by the Konparu troupe, Nara, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 9
June 29, 2021 (Tue) - August 22, 2021 (Sun)
Karaori literally means “Chinese-style fabric”, but these costumes, made of twill fabric, were actually first produced in Japan around the mid-16th century. Within several decades, noh actors started to use them as outer robes when performing female roles, and about a century later, during the Genroku era (1688–1704), karaori with gold-foil thread, known as “GoldenKaraori,” became popular. By viewing these karaori costumes, we can enjoy the elegant patterns and high technical ability of Japanese artisans of the Edo period (1603–1868).
Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
Highlight | Noh Costume ("Karaori") with Lozenges, Paulownia, Chrysanthemums, and Cherry Trees | Formerly owned by the Konparu troupe, Nara | Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century | I-3202 | |||
Highlight | Noh Costume ("Karaori") with Floral Vines and Linked Diamonds | Edo period, 17th century | I-4281 | ||||
Highlight | Noh Costume ("Karaori") with Tiles, Chrysanthemums, and Eulalia Grass | Formerly owned by the Uesugi Family | Edo period, 18th century | I-3197 | |||
Noh Costume ("Karaori") with Checkers and Chrysanthemum Branches | Formerly owned by the Uesugi Family | Edo period, 18th century | I-2862 |