No costume (choken)

Actors of the Japanese dance drama, No, wear masks and exquisite costumes to perform on a stage built of unvarnished cypress and decorated only with a painting of a pine tree. Gold is extensively used in No costumes, where it reflects light and highlights the actor's slow, stylized movements. The quality of textiles for No costumes reflects their origin as gifts to actors of personal garments worn by warrior patrons. This jacket would have been worn over a robe of contrasting design, usually for female roles, but also for the roles of courtiers or warriors.