Kyōgen Overvest (kataginu) with Japanese Lobster

Kyōgen Overvest (kataginu) with Japanese Lobster

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Sometimes called "the old man of the sea" because of its bent back, the Japanese lobster (ise-ebi or kamakuraebi) is a symbol of longevity. Here it appears on the back of a vest worn for theatrical performances. Kyōgen is a comic form of Japanese theater performed together with the more serious Noh. Boldly patterned overvests (kataginu) were worn for important kyōgen roles, such as Tarōkaja, the comical servant. The kataginu would be worn over a robe and with trousers patterned with circular crests.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Kyōgen Overvest (kataginu) with Japanese LobsterKyōgen Overvest (kataginu) with Japanese LobsterKyōgen Overvest (kataginu) with Japanese LobsterKyōgen Overvest (kataginu) with Japanese LobsterKyōgen Overvest (kataginu) with Japanese Lobster

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.