Kesa
18th-19th century
Worn by a Buddhist holy person, the kesa is a one-piece garment said to be modeled on the robe of the historical Buddha. A meditation mantel, they modestly wrap around the body with one corner draped over the left shoulder. Early kesa were composed of brown or saffron colored scraps of fabric cut from discarded rags and sewn together in a patchwork fashion. By the Edo (1603–1868) and Meiji (1868–1912) periods, kesa were also pieced together from luxurious robes shimmering with precious metallic threads, which had been used in Noh theater productions or worn by members of the imperial court.
Silk with metallic threads
46 x 81 in. (116.84 x 205.74 cm)
Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection
33.667
