The Noh theater costumes are real works of art, made with the finest materials and craftsmanship. In Noh, the costume type, the colors and the patterns are conveying information about the character, such as social status, age, gender or mythological background.

Photographed here is a sophisticated undergarment used for feminine characters, called nuihaku (from nui “embroidery” and haku “gold leaf"). It is a short sleeved kimono worn under the outer kimono, with a design featuring mandarin ducks, yellow pond-lilies and stylized wave patterns, and as its name suggests, it is adorned with embroidered gold leaf.

Noh costume and mask, Noh Play Matsukaze, Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo, Ueno

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