Nō Robe (Chōken)

Currently not on view

Nō Robe (Chōken)

19th century

Artist/maker unknown, Japanese

Nō theater combines elements of dance, drama, music, and poetry into an art form that emphasizes the aesthetic and symbolic. Splendid costumes relieve the otherwise austere stage and convey a character's status and state of mind. While derived from court dress, they are distinctly stage costumes, with prescribed styles for various male and female roles. This Nō robe, made of airy gauze and decorated with floral motifs and butterflies, is a beautiful example of the choken type usually worn for female dancing roles.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Nō Robe (Chōken)

Date:

19th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Japanese

Medium:

Silk compound gauze weave with metalized-paper supplementary weft patterning

Dimensions:

48 1/2 inches × 6 feet 10 1/2 inches (123.2 × 209.6 cm)

Classification:

Costume (including accessories)

Credit Line:

Purchased with the George W.B. Taylor Fund and the Edgar Viguers Seeler Fund, 2002

Accession Number:

2002-195-1

Geography:

Made in Japan, Asia

Context:

Period: Edo Period (1615-1868) or Meiji Period (1868-1912)

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Currently not on view