Seven-Panel Buddhist Monk’s Vestment (Shichijō kesa) with Floral-Lozenge Pattern

In ancient India, monks who had renounced the world were not allowed to possess private property that could be considered wealth, and clothing was no exception. As a reminder of the Buddha’s simple, patched garment, they sewed together rags—discarded and having no remaining value—to form a kesa, worn diagonally across the chest and left shoulder.

In Japan, the bestowal of such garb upon the disciple represents the transmission of the dharma (teaching). The example on view was made from cut-up pieces of a karaori, a costume used in classical Noh theater as an outer robe for the roles of women, young boys, or noble courtiers. The karaori may have been a religious offering.