karaori; Chinese-style figured silk weave
A thick, luxurious silk textile with woven patterns of birds, flowers, and other motifs, originally influenced by Chinese weaving techniques. Often used for Noh costumes and obi.
This obi is karaori, and its bird-and-flower pattern is beautiful.
Noh costume made of karaori
Specifically refers to a type of Noh theater costume, typically a luxurious outer robe with karaori weave, worn mainly for female roles.
On the Noh stage, the shite wore a red karaori costume.
Karaori is often used for Noh costumes.
Standard kanji spelling for this traditional textile and Noh costume.
Alternate spelling with okurigana, also used.
From 唐 (kara, 'Tang dynasty; China') + 織り (ori, 'weave'), referring to the Chinese-influenced weaving technique. The exact historical origin is uncertain, but the term has been used since the Muromachi period for this type of silk brocade.