Artwork preview

Seven-Panel Buddhist Monk’s Vestment (Shichijō kesa) with Peony Arabesque

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Black fabric with a repeating pattern of large white peonies and foliage. The fabric is rectangular and appears to be divided into seven panels, with horizontal and vertical seams visible. The background of the fabric is black, and the pattern is white. The peonies are stylized and have many petals. The leaves and stems are also stylized. The fabric appears to be a type of vestment, specifically a kesa, which is a Buddhist monk's garment. The pattern is an example of an arabesque, which is a type of decorative design that features intricate, curved lines and floral motifs. The fabric has a white border around it.

Artwork Details

Date
18th century
Medium
Twill-weave silk with gold supplementary weft patterning (kinran)
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
600 × 504 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette