Kesa
18th-19th century
Worn by a Buddhist monk, this garment is composed of blocks of silk brocade woven with gold-foil-wrapped silk thread that has been flattened, known as kinran thread. Originating in China, these luxurious weavings were introduced through trade in the late 14th century to Japan, where they were coveted by the wealthy military families and practitioners of the tea ceremony. Kinran is one of the many specialty fabrics woven in the Nishijin District of Kyoto.
Silk and gold thread brocade
46 in. (116.8 cm)
L.: 78 3/8 in.
Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection
33.197
Photo: Paul Macapia
