Title
Kesa (Buddhist priest’s robe)
Year/Period
Edo period, 19th century
Region
Japan
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 212.0 x 105.0 cm
Accession No.
2024-01300
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Chris Hall.
The kesa is a robe worn by Buddhist priests. It is rectangular, draped over the left shoulder and fastened on the right. The patchwork design recalls Buddhist vows of poverty and the use of fabric scraps in monastic attire. The ornate use of embroidery and valuable gold brocades, possibly taken from costumes or other precious clothing, also reflect the practice of donating textiles for spiritual merit.
