Noh Costume, Thick Outer Robe (Atsuita-karaori)

Sacred wheel, cedar lightning bolt and cloud design,
Edo period, 17th c.

The most luxurious type of robe typifying noh costumes and worn mostly as an garment for women is the Karaori. Those incorporating red are worn by young women and distinguished from those without red worn by middle-aged and older women. As the name "thick board" implies, Atsuita are made of a heavy material. They are mainly worn as inner garments by men of all ages, but can also be used as outer robes for rough gods, demons, and elderly women.