Antique Silk Kesa Monk's Patched Robe Meiji Period

Kesa, known as "Jiasha" in Chinese and "Kasaya" in Sanskrit, is an out-layer garment worn by the ordained Buddhist monks. Bearing a basic rectangular form, it developed originally in India where monks used scraps of discarded fabric to patch into a robe that was deemed scared. Kesa was worn above the left shoulder, wrapped under the right armpit and draped along the body. Originally dyed dark colors to stand out in tropical Indian weather, the garment was an identification with the ascetic nature of the monkhood. With Buddhism spread to other Asian countries such as China, Korea and Japan, this tradition of wearing kesa remained to this day. The fabrics used in creating kesa, however, was no longer rags, but gradually became luxurious due to the donation from the worshippers and benefactors of the temple. Paradoxically, the acetic aspect was maintained in the standard patched construction. Within the border, kesa was sewn together in vertical columns, from five to up to twenty-five, with seven being the most common. The higher the number, the more formal and the higher rank it may indicate of the wearer. Sometimes, six patches were placed on top, with four on corners and two flanking the middle, symbolizing the four cordial guardians and the bodhisattvas within the heart.
The kesa on offer is an authentic piece dated to Meiji Period (late 18th century to 19th century). Featuring seven columns within wide borders, it was patched from pieces of golden silk finely woven with cloud patterns. The wide border was a brilliant purple silk with intricate chrysanthemum motif. The backing silk is of a light yellow with woven birds and hibiscus flower pattern. There are two red tassels sewn to the front and two loops on the back, but they may be later replacement. One of the loops on the back has a maker's label (Fujimoto made this with care) and also a small red seal was found on the back.
The kesa is loose therefore requires framing for idea display. It ships easily folded up.