Kabuki Costume: Outer Robe (Uchikake) with Design of Lioness and Cubs

Second half of the 19th century

Not on view

The costumes of the Kabuki theater are known for their dramatic effect. The back of this uchikake, or outer robe, confronts the audience with the shocking spectacle of a lioness with bulging glass eyes pushing a cub off a high ledge. The lioness uses this brutal means to test the endurance of her cubs and will only take care of those who manage to climb back up to the promontory where she stands. On the front of the robe another cub is energetically beginning the ascent. The story, of uncertain source, is associated with a holy mountain of Buddhism, Tientai (Tendai, in Japanese), in China.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Kabuki Costume: Outer Robe (Uchikake) with Design of Lioness and Cubs
Date: Second half of the 19th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Silk, cotton, and metallic thread, glass, embroidered satin
Dimensions: Overall: 68 x 46 1/2 in. (172.7 x 118.1 cm)
Classification: Costumes
Credit Line: Gift of Elizabeth Gordon, 1967
Object Number: 67.177.1
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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