Theatrical vest for a female Buddhist priest

Theatrical vest for a female Buddhist priest

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

A long vest with patchwork, such as this example, was often worn by a female Buddhist priest in Chinese legendary plays. In such performances, both male and female Buddhist priests are depicted with magic powers to help righteous people in poor circumstances or to subdue demons and save the world.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Theatrical vest for a female Buddhist priestTheatrical vest for a female Buddhist priestTheatrical vest for a female Buddhist priestTheatrical vest for a female Buddhist priestTheatrical vest for a female Buddhist priest

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.