Japan, late 19th-early 20th century - Lot 142

Japan, late 19th-early 20th century Large panel of woven polychrome silk, forming an uttarasô-type kesa, with seven bands drawn by golden threads sewn onto the panel, decorated with two phoenixes in flight among clouds, above a landscape of rocks and peonies with a waterfall, enhanced by six small square pieces decorated with chrysanthemums, four symbolizing the cardinal points and two serving as a base for ties. Japan, 19th century Dim. 120 x 220cm Note: the kesa is a sacred garment of Zen Buddhism, a symbol of ordination. Originally made from scraps of recycled fabric in a patchwork pattern, it evokes monastic poverty. Its manufacture and structure were highly codified, with the number of bands determining its context of use. The seven-band kesa was worn for meditation and certain ceremonies. Over the centuries, kesas became increasingly sumptuous, often as gifts from wealthy families to the temple. They sometimes lost their structure, which was merely drawn, as in this case. Expert: Cabinet Ansas - Papillon - de Léry