Historic Costumes of Kurokawa Noh
NOTE: This list corresponds to a museum exhibit depicting 24 historic noh costumes. The content will be accessed by scanning a QR code on the exhibit.
1. One of the earliest costumes of noh classical Japanese dance-drama, dating from the fourteenth century. It is made from Chinese fabric dating from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) and features colors associated with Buddhism. This garment was worn only by the tayu (troupe leader) of the upper troupe (kamiza). (Owned by Kurokawa Noh Kamiza)
2. A costume from the Muromachi period (1336–1573) made from Chinese fabric dating from the Ming dynasty and crafted in Japan. Worn only by the tayu (troupe leader) of the lower troupe (shimoza). (Owned by Kurokawa Noh Shimoza)
3. A rare and highly treasured costume from the Muromachi period (1336–1573). Few from this period remain. This one was preserved by sewing in a new lining to retain the costume’s original shape. (Owned by Kurokawa Noh Kamiza)
4. An Edo period (1603–1867) costume used by both the upper troupe (kamiza) and lower troupe (shimoza). It was a gift from domain lord Sakai Tadazane (1671–1731), received at Tsurugaoka Castle in 1733. This costume was used in the festival of Kasuga Jinja Shrine, held annually on May 3, and at Shonai Jinja Shrine, held annually on August 15. It was also used for other special performances. (Owned by Kasuga Jinja Shrine)
5. A chrysanthemum-pattern costume from the Edo period (1603–1867). It is said to have been a gift from the Sakai family (daimyo of the Dewa Shonai domain), but this has not been verified. It was intended for male roles, but in Kurokawa Noh it was often used for female roles due to its splendid color. (Owned by Kasuga Jinja Shrine)
6. A costume in the style of the early Edo period (1603–1867). It was a gift from the domain lord Sakai Tadazane (1671–1731), received at Tsurugaoka Castle in 1733. It was worn by actors in supporting roles. (Co-owned by Kurokawa Noh Kamiza and Shimoza)
7. A tortoise shell and phoenix pattern costume thought to date from the mid Edo period (1603–1867). It is presumed to have been a gift from the domain lord Sakai Tadaaki in 1843, received at Tsurugaoka Castle. This costume is used for the role of a deity or spirit. (Owned by Kurokawa Noh Kamiza)
8. An autumn grass/butterfly pattern costume thought to date from the mid Edo period (1603–1867). It belonged to the domain lord Sakai Tadazane (1671–1731) and was presented as a gift at Tsurugaoka Castle in 1733. It was worn as a woman’s jacket, particularly in a manner to expose the crimson red, for a young female role. (Co-owned by Kurokawa Noh Kamiza and Shimoza)
9. A costume with features of the mid Edo period (1603–1867). It was purchased from the former domain lord Sakai Tadazumi (1853–1915) in 1889. (Co-owned by Kurokawa Noh Kamiza and Shimoza)
10. A costume with features typical of the latter half of the Edo period (1603–1867). It is thought to have been a gift from the Sakai family, but there are no corroborating records. This design is said to be highly suited for a strong-willed female character. (Co-owned by Kurokawa Noh Kamiza and Shimoza)
11. A costume with design characteristics of the mid-Edo period (1603–1867). It was a gift from the former domain lord Sakai Tadaari (1755–1812), received at Tsurugaoka Castle in 1773. (Owned by Kurokawa Noh)
12. A costume exhibiting features of the mid-Edo period (1603–1867). It was purchased from the former domain lord Sakai Tadazumi (1853–1915) in 1889. This costume is suitable for middle-aged female roles. (Co-owned by Kurokawa Noh Kamiza and Shimoza)
13. A costume with design elements indicative of the mid-Edo period (1603–1867). It is thought to have been a gift from the Sakai family, although this has not been corroborated. This garment is ideally suited for female roles. (Co-owned by Kurokawa Noh Kamiza and Shimoza)
14. A long silk costume in the style of the mid-Edo period (1603–1867). It was purchased from the former domain lord Sakai Tadazumi (1853–1915) in 1889. Long silk garments like this are typically used in dances by both men and women. This piece is suitable for the role of a male child or man. (Co-owned by Kurokawa Noh Kamiza and Shimoza)
15. A late Edo period (1603–1867) costume believed to have been purchased from the former domain lord Sakai Tadazumi (1853–1915) in 1889. It was suitable for female roles such as a female deity or princess. (Co-owned by Kurokawa Noh Kamiza and Shimoza)
16. A costume used by both the upper troupe (kamiza ) and lower troupe (shimoza ) of Kurokawa Noh. The design reflects the style of the mid-Edo period (1603–1867) and is thought to have been obtained from the former domain lord Sakai Tadazumi (1853–1915) in 1889. It was used for male characters, and often worn during the second day of a performance.
17. A costume from the mid-Edo period (1603–1867). It is believed to have been purchased from the former domain lord Sakai Tadazumi (1853–1915) in 1889. (Owned by Kurokawa Noh Kamiza)
18. A costume believed to date from the mid-Edo period (1603–1867). The sleeves and body pattern do not match, which seems to indicate this garment was pieced together from different costumes. It is unclear how and when this piece was acquired. (Owned by Kurokawa Noh Kamiza)
19. A costume from the latter part of the Edo period (1603–1867). It is believed to have been a gift from the former domain lord Sakai Tadashi in May 1807, received at Tsurugaoka Castle. The pattern of this garment makes it suitable as a jacket for female roles. (Owned by Kurokawa Noh Kamiza)
20. A costume in the style of the mid Edo period (1603-1867). The acquisition of costumes from the Sakai domain lords occurred from the Genroku culture (1688–1704) through the Meiji era (1868–1912), but there are no choken robes matching this one. Choken robes are worn for roles like sacred objects and celestial maidens, and mostly for dance elements. (Owned by Kurokawa Noh Shimoza)
21. A costume typical of the style of the Genroku culture (1688–1704). It is believed to have been purchased from the former domain lord Sakai Tadazumi (1853–1915) in 1889. It is suitable for the roles of older and middle-aged women. (Owned by Kurokawa Noh Shimoza)
22. A costume with features from the mid-Edo period (1603–1867). It was used in the play Tomoe or as an outerwear jacket. (Owned by Kurokawa Noh Shimoza)
23. A costume in the style of the mid-Edo period (1603–1867). Its color and pattern make it particularly suitable for the roles of a high-ranking official or deity. (Owned by Kurokawa Noh Shimoza)
24. A costume in the style of the mid-Edo period (1603–1867). It was used for noh plays such as Toboku, Nomiya, Miwa, and Tatsuda, which feature Buddhist monks. (Owned by Kurokawa Noh Shimoza)
