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Robe (Kosode) with Mandarin Orange Tree and Auspicious Characters

second half of the 18th century
Not on view
An auspicious mandarin orange tree (tachibana) bearing fruit and flowers rises from the back hem of this narrow-sleeved robe (kosode). The sleeves and upper body of the robe are embellished with characters richly embroidered in green and purple silk and couched gold thread (laid across the ground fabric and stitched to the surface). The three characters (left to right) read manzai-raku, or “enjoying comfort for ten thousand years,” which also alludes to a type of ancient court music (gagaku) and dance presented exclusively at the court to celebrate the New Year. At the same time, the phrase calls to mind a song from the auspicious Noh play Takasago, which proclaims that performing Manzai-raku brings long life.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 白縮緬地橘文字模様小袖
  • Title: Robe (Kosode) with Mandarin Orange Tree and Auspicious Characters
  • Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
  • Date: second half of the 18th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Dyed and embroidered silk crepe with couched gold-wrapped threads
  • Dimensions: 50 x 65 in. (127 x 165.1 cm)
  • Classification: Costumes
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Parnassus Foundation/Jane and Raphael Bernstein Gift, 2002
  • Object Number: 2002.325
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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