Page 415 - Edo: Art in Japan, 1615–1868
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230 • Several onstage costume change no play, Hagoromo (The Feathered Robe).
Juban kabuki costume with pine techniques are used in kabuki, includ- The play tells the legend of a fisher-
and feathered robe design ing one known as hadanugi (bare man who finds a beautiful robe of
Nineteenth century to the waist). In this method a layer feathers hanging on a branch of a
Silk and gold metallic thread of clothing is quickly removed from pine tree on the beach at Matsubara
embroidery on silk crepe an actor by a stage assistant, dramati- in Miho. An angel appears and tear-
46.9 x 127.2 (i8V2 x soVs) cally revealing another garment. The fully pleads for her robe because
Tokyo National Museum newly exposed undergarment (juban) she cannot ascend to heaven. The
is usually of a different color and/or fisherman agrees to return it, and
design, signaling a transformation the appreciative heavenly maiden
in the character's role. Occasionally dances for him before flying to
costumes are pulled off and added heaven. Hagoromo, the legend and
in rapid succession. no play, also influenced kabuki
dances dating back to 1745. SST
The embroidered design on this
garment, which belonged to Bando
Mitsue, is based on a well-known
