Noh robe for young nobleman's role with design of chrysanthemums and water streams on interwoven white and red squares
The ground of this Noh robe consists of white and red squares, and chrysanthemums and water motifs are woven into this piece with colored silk and metallic thread. This colorful and elegant costume was mainly worn by the principal character of Noh plays representing a noble person.
Chrysanthemums have long been used as medicine in China, and were originally brought to Japan for their medicinal value. At the September ninth Feast of the Chrysanthemum, chrysanthemum sake was taken to dispel evil and to pray for long life. This practice was based on the medical effects of chrysanthemums.
The pursuit of long life led to supernaturalism. Sweet chrysanthemums prospered on both sides of mountain streams in Gangu, in the mountains of Nanyang Dengzhou (now Neixiang, Henan Province). A rumor spread that the water of the stream contained the extract of the chrysanthemums and that drinking it would ensure long life. A Noh play entitled 'Kiku-jido' is based on this story, as is the pattern of chrysanthemums and streams.
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Noh robe for young nobleman's role with design of chrysanthemums and water streams on interwoven white and red squares
Weft patterned silk (atsuita karaori)
Early eighteenth century (Mid-Edo period)
Heirloom of the Ikeda Family, Okayama
