Noh robe of the hunting costume type with design of paulownia sprays

This Noh robe is made in the style of a hunting costume (kariginu). It is a double-breasted cloak with a high, round neck and long, narrow body panels that are not sewn up at the sides. Cords—now missing (probably white in color and held in place by loops)—once edged the wide sleeve openings.

The kariginu was originally a sport garment worn in ancient times by high-ranking nobility. It was adopted as a formal costume for upper-class samurai and also as a Noh costume for actors in roles of male deities or nobles.

Noh theater began in the fourteenth century and developed under the patronage of high-ranking samurai. Shogun and local lords spent
money on all aspects of Noh, especially extravagant stage costumes such as this one.