Buddhist Priest's Vestment (Kesa) with Phoenix

Buddhist Priest's Vestment (Kesa) with Phoenix

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

A spectacular phoenix with cascading tail feathers dominates this large tapestry-like expanse of fabric; below it is a branch of paulownia. As a motif, this fantastic creature reached Japan from China. According to Chinese tradition, the phoenix appears at times of peace and prosperity, singing in a paulownia tree during the just rule of a benevolent emperor. This is a Japanese Buddhist priest’s vestment (kesa), an outer garment usually worn draped over the left shoulder. Traditionally kesa are made of many small pieces sewn together in a configuration of columns. This kesa was woven in one piece; however, the columnar design is indicated with a cord that is sewn to the surface.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Buddhist Priest's Vestment (Kesa) with PhoenixBuddhist Priest's Vestment (Kesa) with PhoenixBuddhist Priest's Vestment (Kesa) with PhoenixBuddhist Priest's Vestment (Kesa) with PhoenixBuddhist Priest's Vestment (Kesa) with Phoenix

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.