Kesa

Textiles

After 1945, Showa (1926–1989)

Japan

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

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