Noh Robe (Happi) with Pattern of Flowers and Auspicious Symbols

Noh Robe (Happi) with Pattern of Flowers and Auspicious Symbols

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The happi is a costume unique to the Noh stage that is often worn as an outer jacket for a warrior's role. When it is slipped off the right arm or when both sleeves are hiked up, it is used to give the impression of armor. Many lined happi, like this one, have bold designs of Chinese inspiration. Another kind of happi, probably more familiar, is a short coat worn by townsmen during the Edo period and later.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Noh Robe (Happi) with Pattern of Flowers and Auspicious SymbolsNoh Robe (Happi) with Pattern of Flowers and Auspicious SymbolsNoh Robe (Happi) with Pattern of Flowers and Auspicious SymbolsNoh Robe (Happi) with Pattern of Flowers and Auspicious SymbolsNoh Robe (Happi) with Pattern of Flowers and Auspicious Symbols

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.