Noh Robe (Atsuita) with Cloud-Shaped Gongs and “Chinese Flowers”

first half of the 19th century

Not on view

The term atsuita originally referred to high-quality fabrics imported from China as bolts rolled around “thick wood boards” (atsu-ita). In the Muromachi period (1392–1573), warlords acquired these fabrics through private trade and presented them to Noh actors. The costumes made from such fabrics also came to be called atsuita. In the Edo period, these robes were made from twill-weave fabric produced in Japan and mainly worn by male leads playing warlords, gods, or demons. Costumes for violent gods and demons were decorated with powerful motifs, including dragons, clouds, zigzag patterns known as “hammer-wheels on lightning,” and cloud-shaped, flat gongs, as seen on this robe.

Artwork Details

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References

唐花雲板模様段替厚板
Title: Noh Robe (Atsuita) with Cloud-Shaped Gongs and “Chinese Flowers”
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: first half of the 19th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Twill weave silk brocade
Dimensions: Overall: 60 x 55 in. (152.4 x 139.7 cm)
Classification: Textiles-Costumes
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Harold Bache, 1962
Object Number: 62.158.2
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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