Noh Robe (Karaori) with Chrysanthemums and Waves

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Bold, golden waves gleam among large chrysanthemum plants of various types in the decoration of this Noh costume. The combination of water with chrysanthemums is suggestive of a mythical Chinese river that became a prominent theme in Japanese art. Sweetened by dewdrops falling from the petals of the chrysanthemums, the river's water was said to impart eternal life to anyone who drank it. The presence of red in this robe suggests that it was used for the role of a young woman.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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.

Metropolitan Museum of Art