Linen or ramie and silk with gold thread
Maker unknown
Kesa, c. 1800-1850
Linen or ramie and silk with gold thread
42 x 78 in.
Gift of David and Gladys Wright, 1990.34.164
Photographer: Philip Mrozinski
A kesa is a traditional robe worn over a Buddhist priest’s kimono. Made by sewing patches of remnant or new material together, the kesa is a religious garment that makes symbolic reference to Buddha’s divesting himself of material possessions.
The kesa seen here was acquired by Wright during his first trip to Japan in 1905 and subsequently displayed in the Oak Park Home as a decorative accent throw. It is made of a number of patches arranged in five horizontal rows with stylized floral designs sewn into the material in golden thread to add further decorative interest. Scholars believe that Wright purchased this textile and a number of others from Mr. Nomura, an antique dealer in Kyoto, Japan, famous for his antique textiles in particular.