Noh Costume (Nuihaku) with Millet and Nandina Berries on a Background of Pine Branches and Zither Bridges

late 18th–early 19th century

Not on view

A nuihaku is a pliant, full-length costume for the Noh theater usually worn by actors playing the roles of women or young men. The term nuihaku is a compound word made up of two textile techniques: embroidery (nui) and application of metallic leaf (haku). On this robe, the embroidered design consists of scattered sprays of ripe millet and nandina plants with their characteristic red berries, while applied gold leaf defines alternating blocks of pine branches and zither (koto) bridges. All four motifs have auspicious symbolism in Japanese art.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

薄茶綾地唐松琴柱南天黍模様縫箔
Title: Noh Costume (Nuihaku) with Millet and Nandina Berries on a Background of Pine Branches and Zither Bridges
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: late 18th–early 19th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Silk embroidery and gold leaf on silk twill
Dimensions: Overall: 66 1/2 x 52 3/4 in. (168.9 x 134 cm)
Classification: Costumes
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1958
Object Number: 58.97.2
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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