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Buddhist priest's robe (kesa)
Japanese
Edo period
late 18th to early 19th century
Object Place: Japan
Medium/Technique
Columns: silk, gilt paper; 2/1twill weave with continuous supplementary wefts (gilt paper) bound in twill order and discontinuous supplementary weft floats (silk) bound at intervals (karaori)
Dividing bands: silk, silvered paper; lampas with 4/1 satin foundation and 1/2 twill supplementary weave (shuchin); pieced and appliquéd
Dividing bands: silk, silvered paper; lampas with 4/1 satin foundation and 1/2 twill supplementary weave (shuchin); pieced and appliquéd
Dimensions
HxW:109.2 x 202.6 cm (43 x 79 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Bliss Knapp
Accession Number50.298
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionSeven columned kesa with decoration of snow-covered chrysanthemums. Columns, sections of dividing bands, border: gold silk ground patterned with layers of of stylized snowflakes in the long floats of the supplementary wefts. Chrysanthemums and abstract floral motifs covered by the snow overlap to create a wave pattern. Sections of dividing bands, shiten, niten: gold silk figured satin-weave ground with designs of clouds, butterflies, and the myriad treasures. The butterfly motifs are are also seen on Western-style plants, suggesting the possible influence of European textiles. Lining: red plain-weave silk.
ProvenanceGift of Mrs. Bliss Knapp to the MFA on March 9, 1950