Buddhist Vestment (Kesa)
Unknown Artist
early 1900s
Medium
silk with supplementary weft, brocaded; metal thread
Dimensions
{"overall":{"height":1.194,"width":2.057}}
Classification
Garment
Department
Textiles
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade
Accession Number
1916.1340
About this artwork
Kesa are Buddhist monastic robes that originated in India. The robes are named after the brown or saffron dye originally used in their production. The primary motif on this seven-paneled kesa is a long-tailed bird with a flower in its mouth. This motif was imported from Persia (present-day Iran) through China during the Nara period (710–794)and is interpreted as a positive symbol. The bird delivers happiness in its mouth.