Noh Costume (Karaori) with Paired Cranes 唐織 茶地向鶴菱模様からおり　 ちゃじむかいつるびしもよう

Description

This is a Noh costume known as a Karaori. Karaori are outer garments worn mainly by people playing female roles, but the term originally referred to a type of fabric. The garments are characterized by raised needlework textures that resemble embroidery. This karaori features subdued coloring and a design of paired cranes standing face to face inside diamond shapes. This kind of intricate, repetitious geometrical pattern was often used for the roles of powerful women with demonic appearances, like the fearsome mountain witch Yamanba.

In the latter half of the 16th century, karaori commonly featured flower or tree designs on bright red, white or green ground. The overall color tone grew darker toward the 17th century, while the designs also became more geometric. This garment is a product of this transitional period. It is a valuable example of an early-period karaori, produced before the emergence of karaori with woven gold thread in the latter half of the 17th century.