Kesa
Late 19th century, Meiji period (1868–1912)
Medium
Silk and gilt-paper strip; twill weave with secondary binding warps and supplementary patterning wefts with couched plied silk; silk cords
Dimensions
119.2 × 199.5 cm (46 7/8 × 78 1/2 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
150717
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This vestment represents deluxe production that combines a complicated pattern with lavish materials. Round medallions containing a dragon or crane are set against a network of sinuous interlaced wisteria scrolls on a dense and rich gold ground of gilt-paper strip (kinran). The kesa survives in fine condition complete with its matching stole. A very similar robe, but with roundels containing pairs of birds, belongs to the Musée des Tissus in Lyon, France.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...