Nine-Panel Kesa (Buddhist Monk’s Vestment) with Chrysanthemums and Stylized Flowers
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.Japan’s long tradition of reusing and preserving fragments of textiles has roots in Buddhism and reflects the historical Buddha’s renunciation of wealth and waste. Kesa, the outer garments or vestments worn by Buddhist monks, were originally pieced together from fabric scraps salvaged from worn-out clothing, often donated by members of the community. Later, wealthy people would donate the kosode—the precursor to the kimono—of deceased women as well as Noh costumes to Buddhist temples in exchange for ceremonies and prayers. These luxurious secular garments were transformed into banners, altar cloths, and kesa.
Artwork Details
- 九条袈裟 菊唐花文様
- Title: Nine-Panel Kesa (Buddhist Monk’s Vestment) with Chrysanthemums and Stylized Flowers
- Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
- Date: 18th century
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Twill-weave silk with silk- and gold-thread supplementary weft patterning
- Dimensions: 44 3/4 × 71 3/4 in. (113.7 × 182.2 cm)
- Classification: Costumes
- Credit Line: Lent by John C. Weber Collection
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art