Sleeveless Undergarment with Buddhist Text
Dateearly 19th century
Maker
Japanese
Label TextA Buddhist mantra written in Sanskrit, the ancient Indian text, adorns this vest, with Chinese letters arranged at the edge and in the space between the columns. Large characters inscribed on circular appliqué express different Buddhas-for example, the center one refers to the Sacred Avalokitesvara. The practice of writing the sacred text and names was considered a good deed, and wearing such vests close to the body protected the person from evil spirits. This garment, without an inscription citing a transcriber, was probably created by a Buddhist priest or a zealous believer, to be worn when conducting a special ritual or going into battle.
Object number93.166
Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Estate of Pauline King Butts
Dimensions36 x 24 in. (91.44 x 60.96 cm)
MediumHemp and silk with ink
Japanese
20th century
Object number: SC87.107.1
Japanese
20th century
Object number: SC87.107.2
Japanese
20th century
Object number: SC87.107.3
Japanese
20th century
Object number: SC87.107.4
Japanese
20th century
Object number: SC87.107.5
Japanese
20th century
Object number: SC87.107.6
Japanese
20th century
Object number: SC87.107.7
Japanese
20th century
Object number: SC87.107.8
Japanese
20th century
Object number: SC87.107.9
Japanese
20th century
Object number: SC87.107.10
Japanese
20th century
Object number: SC87.107.11
Japanese
20th century
Object number: SC87.107.12
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