Buddhist Priest's Vestment made from a Chinese Robe

18th century

Not on view

This large rectangular patchwork is a Japanese kesa, or Buddhist priest's vestment, that was made from a Chinese court robe with its characteristic pattern of dragons. Dragon robes were rare and valued in Japan in the eighteenth century, and several Japanese kesa made from Chinese dragon robes survive in various collections around the world.
The dragons on this kesa, as well as on the Chinese court robe also displayed here, are five-clawed dragons (long). However, on the kesa, every occurrence of a fifth claw is embroidered over with a cloud pattern, transforming each long into a four-clawed dragon (mang), appropriate for lower ranks. It is not clear when this alteration was made.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Buddhist Priest's Vestment made from a Chinese Robe
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: 18th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Silk satin brocaded with silk and metallic thread, with added embroidery
Dimensions: Overall: 42 x 78in. (106.7 x 198.1cm)
Classification: Costumes
Credit Line: Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1919
Object Number: 19.93.50
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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