Silk Buddhist Monk's Kesa

This finely brocaded silk panel was made long ago in Japan. It may once have been owned and worn by a Buddhist monk. Kesa, like this one, are ceremonial vestments pieced together from five, seven, nine, or more panels of cloth and were worn draped over a monk’s left shoulder. Some orders give their monks these beautiful garments when they are first ordained as a symbol of their sacred commitment.