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Buddhist priest's robe (kesa)
Japanese
Edo period
19th century
Object Place: Japan
Medium/Technique
Appliquéd silk, plain weave ground with silk floss and gilt paper as supplementary weft (karaori), pieced and appliquéd
Dimensions
109.5 x 171.5 cm (43 1/8 x 67 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
The Elizabeth Day McCormick Collection
Accession Number43.794
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionSeven-columned kesa with decoration of chrysanthemums and flowing water. Columns, dividing bands, border: the silk ground fabric of red, yellow, and purple bands is patterned with flowing water, chrysanthemums, snow-laden bamboo grass, and pines in the long floats of the supplementary wefts. Chrysanthemums, snow-laden bamboo, pines, and large bamboo baskets float along the flowing water. There are no breaks in the bands; instead, the colors are interwoven. Shiten, niten: red silk ground with woven-in patterns of chrysanthemum arabesques in supplementary wefts of flat gold-leafed paper thread. Lining: none.
ProvenanceElizabeth Day McCormick Collection; gift of Elizabeth Day McCormick to the MFA on October 14, 1943