id: 95630 accession number: 1916.1345 share license status: CC0 url: https://clevelandart.org/art/1916.1345 updated: 2021-01-05 10:00:10.999000 Buddhist Surplice (Kesa), early 1900s. Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912). Silk with supplementary weft, brocaded; metal thread; average: 114.3 x 205.7 cm (45 x 81 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade 1916.1345 title: Buddhist Surplice (Kesa) title in original language: series: series in original language: creation date: early 1900s creation date earliest: 1900 creation date latest: 1920 current location: creditline: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade copyright: --- culture: Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) technique: silk with supplementary weft, brocaded; metal thread department: Textiles collection: Textiles type: Garment find spot: catalogue raisonne: --- CREATORS --- measurements: Average: 114.3 x 205.7 cm (45 x 81 in.) state of the work: edition of the work: support materials: inscriptions: --- CURRENT EXHIBITIONS --- LEGACY EXHIBITIONS * Main Asian Rotation (Gallery 237); January 12, 2015 - --- PROVENANCE --- fun fact: digital description: wall description: The kesa is a Buddhist monk’s vestment worn folded and draped over one shoulder, and fastened over the chest. In keeping with the austere conditions of monastic life, kesa were traditionally fashioned from remainders of donated garments sewn together into a series of columns. The wider, central column symbolizes the Buddha. The orange squares with a phoenix and flower pattern in each corner represent the deities who guard the four directions, while the two at the top on either side of the central column symbolize attendant bodhisattvas, or the Nio, guardians who protect the Buddhist Law. This kesa is sewn from a textile with bold roundels with dragon and phoenix motifs. --- RELATED WORKS --- CITATIONS --- IMAGES web: https://openaccess-cdn.clevelandart.org/1916.1345/1916.1345_web.jpg print: https://openaccess-cdn.clevelandart.org/1916.1345/1916.1345_print.jpg full: https://openaccess-cdn.clevelandart.org/1916.1345/1916.1345_full.tif