Seven-Panel Buddhist Monk’s Vestment (Shichijō kesa) with Peony Patterns in Undulating Columns

Seven-Panel Buddhist Monk’s Vestment (Shichijō kesa) with Peony Patterns in Undulating Columns

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The bestowal of the Buddhist master’s vestment (kesa) upon the disciple represents the transmission of the dharma (teaching). This is especially true in Zen Buddhism, as only the master can recognize that the disciple is on the way to—or has reached—enlightenment. Kesa thus indicate the rank of the owner within the religious hierarchy, and are treasured vestments associated with those who wore them. As a reminder of the Buddha’s simple, patched garment, small rectangular pieces of fabric are sewn together to form one kesa, worn diagonally over the left shoulder. This vestment has been created from cut-up pieces of a Noh costume (karaori), which was perhaps a religious offering.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Seven-Panel Buddhist Monk’s Vestment (Shichijō kesa) with Peony Patterns in Undulating ColumnsSeven-Panel Buddhist Monk’s Vestment (Shichijō kesa) with Peony Patterns in Undulating ColumnsSeven-Panel Buddhist Monk’s Vestment (Shichijō kesa) with Peony Patterns in Undulating ColumnsSeven-Panel Buddhist Monk’s Vestment (Shichijō kesa) with Peony Patterns in Undulating ColumnsSeven-Panel Buddhist Monk’s Vestment (Shichijō kesa) with Peony Patterns in Undulating Columns

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.