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Buddhist priest's robe (kesa)


Beniji Shokko moyo nishiki shichijo kesa
Japanese
Meiji or Taishō era
late 19th to early 20th century
Object Place: Japan

Medium/Technique Appliquéd silk, Lampas with plain-weave foundation and 1/3 twill supplementary weave; pieced and appliquéd
Dimensions Height x width: 137.9 x 222.5 cm (54 5/16 x 87 5/8 in.)
Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number21.203
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsCostumes

DescriptionSeven-columned kesa with decoration of shokko patterns. Columns, dividing bands, border, shiten: red silk ground with figured patterns of interlocking geometric shapes (shokko). Chrysanthemums enclosed within square-shaped motifs are linked with four-petalled flowers. Chrysanthemum arabesques and reversed swastikas decorate the interstitial spaces. The pattern no longer exhibits the formal quality of the original Japanese design. Niten: none. Lining: silk plain-weave fabric of degummed red warps and degummed white wefts.
ProvenanceGift of Dr. William Sturgis Bigelow to the MFA March 3, 1921.