Director: Josef Gielen
Costume Designer: Tsugouharu Foujita
Premiere: September 19, 1957
Size: EU 38-40*
The costume of the title character impresses with its refined shimmering colors as well as the restrained floral motifs. The under-kimono, the kimono and the obi (kimono belt) are completed by a parasol of the same color. The number of singers who could be seen in this costume designed by Foujita are numerous: the most important include Sena Jurinac, Gwyneth Jones, Catherine Malfitano, Jeanette Pilou, Leontyne Price, Renata Scotto, and Antonietta Stella. Most recently Michèle Crider, Hui He, Olga Guryakova, and Kristīne Opolais wore this costume.
Due to their frequent use - the opera was almost continuously in the repertoire - all the costumes had to be replaced by new, identical copies in 2006, which restored their original freshness, color and quality. A special feature about this costume: every single piece was made in Japan by selected masters from original Japanese kimono fabrics.The costume is in very good condition and consists of an under-kimono, kimono, obi (belt) and umbrella.
*As the costume was made to measure for the singer, it may differ from the standard size.