Fragment (from Noh Costume)
Edo period (1615– 1868), 1675/1725
Medium
Brocaded twill (kara ori) silk and gilt paper; 2 1/2 strips to m.m.
Dimensions
27 × 21.5 cm (10 5/8 × 8 1/2 in.)
Classification
weaving
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
156232
Art Historical Context
This exquisite fragment hails from a Noh costume, a hallmark of Japan's classical theater tradition during the Edo period (1615–1868), dated roughly to 1675–1725. Noh drama, with its stylized performances blending dance, music, and poetry, emerged in the 14th century but flourished under the shogunate's patronage in Edo (modern Tokyo). Costumes like this were essential, transforming performers into ethereal spirits or warriors through bold patterns and luxurious fabrics, elevating the art form's mystical allure. Crafted in brocaded twill silk using the kara ori technique—a sophisticated disco...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...