Noh Costume (Kariginu) with Geometric Pattern

Noh Costume (Kariginu) with Geometric Pattern

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This robe's distinctive shokkō pattern of linked hexagons and squares is traditionally linked to the title role of the sacred old man in the earliest Noh play, Okina. The dances that make up this play grew out of ancient shrine ceremonies. Often performed to open a Noh program at New Year's and other ceremonial occasions, Okina is both a ritual purification and a prayer for long life, peace, and prosperity. The type of Noh costume called kariginu, with its broad sleeves and round overlapping neckband, is based on the informal garb of courtiers of the Heian period (794-1185). In Noh plays this type of robe is generally worn belted over broad divided skirts for male roles of nature spirits, gods, and noblemen.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Noh Costume (Kariginu) with Geometric PatternNoh Costume (Kariginu) with Geometric PatternNoh Costume (Kariginu) with Geometric PatternNoh Costume (Kariginu) with Geometric PatternNoh Costume (Kariginu) with Geometric Pattern

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.