Noh Costume (Karaori) with Pattern of Fans Floating on Water

18th century

Not on view

The layering of patterns and techniques is particularly complex in this Noh costume. The water pattern woven in gold, known as Kanze mizu ("Kanze water") because of its association with the Kanze school of Noh performers, flows gently over background blocks of red, brown, and light blue. On the water float various fans-open, closed, and half-open-that overlap intriguingly and, in their turn, are covered with flowers. Yōgao (literally, "evening faces") flowers partially cover the half-open fans, and the fully open fans are nearly concealed by auspiciously wrapped peonies and bush clover (hagi). The fan pattern repeats along the length of the costume but does not seem at all repetitive thanks to the skillful use of color in the textile.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

紅茶浅葱段観世水扇花熨斗夕顔模様唐織
Title: Noh Costume (Karaori) with Pattern of Fans Floating on Water
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: 18th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Twill-weave silk brocaded with silk and metallic thread
Dimensions: 60 x 50 in. (152.4 x 127 cm)
Classification: Costumes
Credit Line: Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
Object Number: 91.1.60
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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