Fragment
This textile fragment features a pattern with a stylized fence or lattice and moonflowers (yūgao; literally, “evening faces”) of various colors against a white ground. Originally, it may have been part of a Noh theater costume.
The moonflower plays a role in chapter 4 of The Tale of Genji, “The Lady of the Evening Faces.” Collecting textile samples as a kind of visual dictionary of motifs and a resource for technical analysis was common among Western collectors in Moore’s era.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.