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Kesa

A work made of silk; satin weave with supplementary patterning wefts; silk cords and tassels; ivory ring.
CC0 Public Domain Designation

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  • A work made of silk; satin weave with supplementary patterning wefts; silk cords and tassels; ivory ring.

Date:

Early 19th century, Late Edo period (1789–1868)

Artist:

Japan

About this artwork

This kesa was among the first to enter the Art Institute’s collection, in 1895. It is noteworthy for its large size, state of completeness (with ring, loop, cords, and tassels), and its pattern showing a profusion of European and Asian flowers. The pattern was made in the kara-ori technique, in which weft-float brocading resembles embroidery. An inscription on the lining states that the kesa was worn by the grand priest of a Buddhist temple.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Textiles

Title

Kesa

Place

Japan (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

Made 1801–1833

Medium

Silk; satin weave with supplementary patterning wefts; silk cords and tassels; ivory ring

Dimensions

134 × 340.6 cm (55 1/2 × 134 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Mrs. Charles B. Pope through the Antiquarian Society

Reference Number

1895.375

IIIF Manifest  The International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) represents a set of open standards that enables rich access to digital media from libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural institutions around the world.

Learn more.

https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/1711/manifest.json

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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