A Japanese silk Kesa Robe
A Japanese silk Kesa Robe
5732
Japan, circa 1800
The kesa has been worn by Buddhist priests in Japan since the Heian period (794-1185) as a symbol of the wearer's faith. Made as a single design, it is then cut into strips or squares and reassembled as an act of meditation on the Buddha's teachings. The rectangular shape represents formlessness, while the squares are reminiscent of mandalas depicting the Buddhist cosmos. The four smaller squares correspond to the Four Heavenly Kings, guardians of the cardinal directions, and the two larger squares represent the compassionate bodhisattvas.
Can be hung portrait or landscape
Dimensions:
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 as a symbol of the wearer's faith. Made as a single design, it is then cut into strips or squares and reassembled as an act of meditation on the Buddha's teachings. The rectangular shape represents formlessness, while the squares are reminiscent of mandalas depicting the Buddhist cosmos. The four smaller squares correspond to the Four Heavenly Kings, guardians of the cardinal directions, and the two larger squares represent the compassionate bodhisattvas.Can be hung portrait or landscape){kind=link}