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Buddhist priest's robe (kesa)

Japanese
Edo period
19th century
Object Place: Japan

Medium/Technique Appliquéd Shuchin, silk, gilt paper filé; 4and1 satin weave with continuous supplementary wefts bound in 1/4 twill order; pieced and appliquéd
Dimensions Height x width: 97.8 x 177.6 cm (38 1/2 x 69 15/16 in.)
Credit Line Gift of Mrs. John Hooper
Accession Number37.613
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsCostumes

DescriptionSeven-columned kesa with decoration of clouds and dragons. Columns, dividing bands, border: dark blue silk figured satin-weave ground with cloud and dragon motifs. A repeat pattern of alternating cloud and dragon motifs covers the entire cloth surface, leaving a minimum of undecorated space. Shiten: gold silk figured satin-weave ground with large cloud and dragon motifs. Niten: white silk ground with woven-in designs of chrysanthemums, peonies, scrolling vines, dragons, and phoenixes in supplementary wefts of flat gold-leafed paper thread. The chrysanthemum and peony arabesques are complemented by the dragon and phoenix motifs. Lining: silk plain-weave fabric of degummed light brown warps and degummed dark blue wefts.
ProvenanceGift to MFA, October 14, 1937