Noh Robe (Karaori) with Autumn Grasses and Butterflies

early 19th century

Not on view

Colorful autumn grasses, chrysanthemums, miscanthus grass, bellflowers, bush clovers, wild pinks, and scattered butterflies embellish the deep red ground of this Noh robe. The painterly composition, with delicately swaying miscanthus leaves creating the illusion of an autumn field, repeats in uncommonly long patterned units. A similar robe is associated with the Noh play Lady Aoi (Aoi no ue), based on an episode from The Tale of Genji in which the murderous wandering spirit of Genji’s mistress Lady Rokujō torments his wife, Lady Aoi. Having just given birth to Genji’s son Yūgiri, Aoi suffers from an illness caused by a possessive spirit that cannot be subdued, despite the efforts of numerous exorcists. The ailing Aoi never appears onstage; instead, a folded robe represents her during the play.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Noh Robe (Karaori) with Autumn Grasses and Butterflies
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: early 19th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Twill-weave silk with brocading in silk and supplementary weft patterning in silk and metallic thread
Dimensions: 58 x 45 in. (147.3 x 114.3 cm)
Classification: Costumes
Credit Line: Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1932
Object Number: 32.30.8
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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