
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Noh costume with geometric pattern for the role of Okina
JapanLinkedCulture matchlcp-9cfc54f21d2c
- Date
- 19th century
- Medium
- Twill-weave silk with supplementary weft patterning
- Department
- Asian Art
- Institution
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Object ID
- 63452
From the Minneapolis Institute of Art record
Kariginu , literally hunting robe was originally an informal jacket worn by noblemen during Japan's Heian era (794-1185). Later, elite warriors donned kariginu as their most formal garment. Since warrior-patrons expressed their appreciation for fine performances by presenting actors with articles from their own lavish wardrobes, it is likely that the first kariginu used on stage were originally worn by samurai-aristocrats. This robe is decorated with an overall pattern of octagons connected by smaller squares to the left, right, top, and bottom, a design the Japanese call shokkō (Shuchiang in Chinese), after a style favored in neighboring China during the Ming dynasty. Kariginu with the shokkō pattern are reserved for the most lofty of all Nō roles, that of the god-like Okina (divine old man) whose felicitous dance bestows happiness and prosperity on the community. Asia
The authoritative record is held by Minneapolis Institute of Art. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.
Get printable QR codesHide QR codes
Open QR codes for this object page and the museum record. They stay collapsed until needed.
Provenance & credit
As published by the source institution. Coverage varies — not every institution's open-data feed includes ownership history.
- Credit line
- Gift of the Harriet Hanley Estate and Kathryn Glessing
Related across collections
Semantically similar works from Minneapolis Institute of Art and other institutions.

Shinto priest's robe (kariginu)
Minneapolis Institute of Art
#12389

Noh Robe (Kariginu)
Cleveland Museum of Art
#95577

Noh Robe (Kariginu)
Cleveland Museum of Art
#96545

Noh costume (chōken)
Minneapolis Institute of Art
#63450

Noh Costume (Kariginu)
Cleveland Museum of Art
#95704

Nō Costume (Nuihaku) with Blossoming Trees and Flowers
Cleveland Museum of Art
#147935
Nuihaku (Noh Costume)
Art Institute of Chicago
#228571

Noh Robe (Karaori)
Cleveland Museum of Art
#96785

Noh Robe (Karaori)
Cleveland Museum of Art
#96670

Noh Robe (Karaori)
Cleveland Museum of Art
#95465

Noh Robe (Karaori)
Cleveland Museum of Art
#97263

Noh costume (nuihaku) with floral motifs
Minneapolis Institute of Art
#105524