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Buddhist priest's robe (kesa)
Japanese
Edo period
19th century
Object Place: Japan
Medium/Technique
Appliquéd silk, gilt paper; 4/1 satin weave patterned by weft floats bound in 1/2 twill order and continuous supplementary wefts (gilt paper) bound in 1/2 twill order; pieced and appliquéd (nishiki)
Dimensions
Height x width: 109.7 x 214.5 cm (43 3/16 x 84 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Bliss Knapp
Accession Number50.300
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionSeven-columned kesa with decoration of peony arabesques. Columns, dividing bands, border, shiten: dark blue silk figured satin-weave ground with peony arabesque motifs. The peonies and scrolling vines expand in the warp direction. The depiction of the flowers and leaves is naturalistic. Flat gold-leafed paper thread outlines the floral motif only, providing an effective highlight. Niten: none. Lining: gray striped plain-weave silk (modern addition).
ProvenanceGift of Mrs. Bliss Knapp to MFA on March 9, 1950