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Buddhist priest's robe (kesa)
Japanese
Edo period
19th century
Object Place: Japan
Medium/Technique
Silk, gilt paper filé, silvered paper filé; simple gauze weave (sha)
Dimensions
Height x width: 136.7 x 221 cm (53 13/16 x 87 in.)
Credit Line
Denman Waldo Ross Collection
Accession Number17.661
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionSeven-columned kesa with decoration of lotus arabesques. Columns, dividing bands, border, shiten, niten: red silk gauze weave with no ground pattern. The lotus arabesques are rendered in a Japanese embroidery stitch known as suganui (needle-weaving parallel to the weft), couched flat gold thread, couched wrapped thread, and loosely wrapped gold thread. Two types of flat gold thread are apparent; one has darkened. Both wrapped gold thread and thick and thin wrapped thread are used. A floral-shaped crest appears in eight places. Lining: None.
ProvenanceGift to MFA on February 15, 1917