Advanced Search 
Buddhist priest's robe (kesa)
Japanese
Edo or Meiji era
19th to early 20th century
Object Place: Japan
Medium/Technique
Silk, 7and1 satin weave patterned by weft floats and complementary wefts bound in 1/3 twill order (shuchin); pieced and appliquéd
Dimensions
HxW: 116.3 x 211.8 cm (45 13/16 x 83 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Bliss Knapp
Accession Number50.296
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionSeven-columned kesa with decorations of birds and floral arabesques. Columns, dividing bands, border: red silk figured satin-weave ground with patterns of abstract double-headed bird motifs (possibly condors) and Western-style vertically-oriented scrolling vines. Thought to have been woven in China and influenced by European textile motifs; however, the motifs also resemble South American and Mexican textile designs. Shiten, niten: green silk figured satin-weave ground with patterns of reversed swastikas and chrysanthemum arabesques. One of three threads is lifted to form the pattern. Lining: Striped plain-weave silk (modern addition).
ProvenanceGift to the MFA on March 9, 1950