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Japanese Edo, Japan

Nō theater costume (kariginu), 1800-1850

Description

Maker

  • Unknown

Culture

Japanese

Title

Nō theater costume (kariginu)

Year

1800-1850

Medium

Silk, gilt paper; lampas, plain and satin weave, gold leaf paper-wrapped wefts

Materials/Techniques

Materials

  • silk,
  • gilt paper

Dimensions

Center back: 142.2 cm (56 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

Mark Yu number 73 cyprus plants and on purple ground

Place

Japan

Type

  • Fashion,
  • Costume

Credit

Gift of Miss Lucy T. Aldrich

Object Number

35.494

Projects & Publications

Publications

Patterns and Poetry

Nō Robes from the Lucy Truman Aldrich Collection

Exhibition History

Exhibition History

Nuance in Nature

February 16 - July 8, 2007

The roundels here are crests (mon), graphic icons sometimes referred to as Japanese heraldry. In this application, they appear on a theatrical costume for the Nō theater rather than a particular family. A kariginu is an outer garment for roles of high status. It would be worn by a Nō actor portraying a minister or a god, and also a goblin character. Three motifs have been reduced to their essence, yet still fully communicate their original intent. Ginko, or maidenhair leaf, is a plant that is used extensively in shrines and temples; while the hawk feather represents one of the highest ranked birds, known for its warrior-like qualities; and finally the pine stands for longevity and endurance because it remains green throughout the year, even living triumphantly through the winter snow.

Patterns and Poetry

October 21, 1994 - January 22, 1995

Poetry in Pattern

June 9 - September 3, 1989

Poetry in Pattern

October 10 - November 4, 1987

The stately pattern of pines, hawk feathers, and ginko leaves complements the "hunting robe" style of the costume by recalling the festive splendor of an imperial or shogunal hunting excursion in autumn.

Use

The images on this website can enable discovery and collaboration and support new scholarship, and we encourage their use. This object is in the public domain (CC0 1.0). This object is Nō theater costume (kariginu) with the accession number of 35.494. To request high-resolution files or new photography, please send an email to imagerequest@risd.edu and include your name and the object's accession number.

Feedback

We view our online collection as a living documents, and our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you have additional information or have spotted an error, please send feedback to curatorial@risd.edu.

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