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Buddhist Priest's Ceremonial Robe

袈裟

1400s
(1368–1644)
silk and gold thread; embroidery
Overall: 119.4 x 302.1 cm (47 x 118 15/16 in.)
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 1987.57
Location: not on view
Public Domain
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Did You Know?

The Five Transcendent Buddhas, who symbolize the purity of the five elements, are repeated around the edges.

Description

This example of imperial embroidery is one of the earliest surviving Chinese Buddhist robes (kasaya) in the West. Depicting 991 Buddhas, each slightly different, it is constructed out of patches in reference to the legend in which the Buddha's favorite disciple divided a robe he was given into 30 pieces. Patchwork is also a sign of humility. Multiple Buddha images known as “thousand Buddha” designs are seen painted and sculpted on the walls of cave temples in India, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and China, but are rare on garments. The Four Heavenly Kings, guardians of the four directions, occupy the textile’s corners. When draped around the body, the inverted figures in the upper left corner appear right side up. Robes with 25 columns were worn by the highest-ranking clergy on ceremonial occasions.
Buddhist Priest's Ceremonial Robe

Buddhist Priest's Ceremonial Robe

1400s

China, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)

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