Japanese Buddhist Priest Mantle (Kesa), 19th Century.Silk. Size: 3'9'' x 6'2'' (114 x 188 cm). This mantle consists of fragments from a single brocade. The brocade itself features exquisite motifs of peonies and butterflies set against a deep blue background, creating a visually captivating contrast. Buddhist vows of poverty contributed to the development of these mantles. Recycling old and worn fabrics, they are patchworks of textile fragments that create new designs, incorporating squares of brocade into a large rectangle with squares of a different brocade inserted into the design in the four corners. The new design ends up being different from the original design of the material. Ultimately those emblems of humility ended up being quite sumptuous themselves.

This is a NO RESERVE AUCTION: there are no hidden or confidential reserves, all acceptable bidding commences at the online START PRICE. Please let us know if you would like to receive a condition report or have any specific questions regarding the condition of a lot. Condition reports will be sent during the week prior to the auction, and can be requested via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone: 215-438-4700. Absence of a statement to condition in the description does not construe a statement of any kind. Please refer to Terms and Conditions of the sale.