Kesa
1945–1985
- Medium
- Silk and cotton; twill weave with supplementary patterning wefts; silk and cotton knotted cords
- Dimensions
- 57.2 × 144.9 cm (22 1/2 × 57 in.) Full pattern repeat: 10.1 × 11.4 cm (4 × 4 1/2 in.) 3 attached belts: 1)156.6 × 6.365 cm (61 5/8 × 2 1/2 in.) 2) 36.2 × 4.45 cm (14 1/4 × 3/4 in.) 3) 36.9 × 4.45 cm (14 1/2 × 3/4 in.)
- Genre
- Textile
- Museum
- Art Institute of Chicago
Styles
Tags
liturgical - buddhistsilk (fiber)showaTextileweaving
About
Certain Buddhist sects, including the Shin, favored five-column kesa that were smaller than others of the five-column variety. Instead of being draped over the left shoulder, these kesa were positioned horizontally and held in place by a strap over the left shoulder. The pattern on this example features lotus blossoms, vine scrolls, and cloud forms, with a superimposed circular family or monastery crest based on a wisteria motif.