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Kesa

A work made of silk and cotton; twill weave with supplementary patterning wefts; silk and cotton knotted cords.

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  • A work made of silk and cotton; twill weave with supplementary patterning wefts; silk and cotton knotted cords.

Date:

After 1945, Showa (1926–1989)

Artist:

Japan

About this artwork

Certain Buddhist sects, including the Shin, favored five-column kesa that were smaller than others of the five-column variety. Instead of being draped over the left shoulder, these kesa were positioned horizontally and held in place by a strap over the left shoulder. The pattern on this example features lotus blossoms, vine scrolls, and cloud forms, with a superimposed circular family or monastery crest based on a wisteria motif.

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 1945–1985

Medium

Silk and cotton; twill weave with supplementary patterning wefts; silk and cotton knotted cords

Dimensions

57.2 × 144.9 cm (22 1/2 × 57 in.) Full pattern repeat: 10.1 × 11.4 cm (4 × 4 1/2 in.) 3 attached belts: 1)156.6 × 6.365 cm (61 5/8 × 2 1/2 in.) 2) 36.2 × 4.45 cm (14 1/4 × 3/4 in.) 3) 36.9 × 4.45 cm (14 1/2 × 3/4 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Ralph E. Hays in memory of Mary Van Artsdalen Hays

Reference Number

2004.1050

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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