Kesa
late Edo period (1789–1868), 1804/44
Medium
Silk, plain weave with rows of 1:1 plain gauze crossings (yoko ro), self-patterned by areas of combined twill weave; pieced; embroidered with silk, gold-leaf-on-lacquered paper strip wrapped cotton, laidwork and couching
Dimensions
101 × 189 cm (39 3/4 × 74 3/8 in.); Repeat: 15.5 × 13 cm (6 1/8 × 5 1/8 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
183119
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...