Noh Choken

This theatrical kimono was made in Japan in the 18th century. The robe is made of purple silk overlaid with green silk gauze decorated with gold paper work. This robe, a choken, would have been worn as a costume in Japan’s Noh theater.

Noh theater has been performed in Japan since the 14th century, and is a combination of several types of performance arts, including singing and dance. When Noh theater first began, the costuming mirrored the every day wear of samurai. By the 16th and 17th centuries, the costumes began to differ from their original sources and specific Noh costume types that were originally based in passing fashion styles of the time of Noh’s origins became codified as classic Noh costume types.

Noh costumes serve a very specific purpose. The design and style of costumes communicate each character’s personality, intentions, and status to the audience, making these costumes an important storytelling device for the overall narrative of the performance.