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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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