Kesa

18th century

Pieced together in a patch-work manner, this kesa, a Buddhist monk’s overcoat, is made of lavish brocade, which was likely donated by a devotee from a wealthy family. Such donations were considered an act that results in the accumulation of karmic merit for the donor. An old master monk would pass on his kesa to his disciple, signifying the transmission of the dharma (teaching).

Silk cloth and gold threads

Overall: 45 1/2 × 80 1/2 in. (115.6 × 204.5 cm)

Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection

41.33

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Going For Gold, Nov. 3, 2012 - Dec. 8, 2013.

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, Feb. 8, 2020 - ongoing [on view Dec. 10, 2021 - July 31, 2022].

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