Kesa
Edo period (1615–1868), Late 18th century
Silk, gilt-paper-strip-wrapped silk, and peacock-feather-wrapped silk; tapestry weave
117.4 × 206.5 cm (46.2 × 81.3 in)
SEE IT IN PERSON
Not currently on view
In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026
Discussion
FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG
During the Edo period, artists took liberties with some of the long-established traditions related to kesa. For example, the patchwork process was sometimes ignored in favor of a single uncut fabric with seams implied by inwoven lines or added cording. The preferred technique for these uncut pictorial panels was tapestry weave. In this example, which is particularly Chinese in style and subject, no such lines have been added, suggesting it was used as a hanging for meditation purposes in the monastery.
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