An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Buddhist Priest's Ceremonial Robe1400s
This example of imperial embroidery is one of the earliest surviving Chinese Buddhist robes (<em>kasaya</em>) in the West. Depicting 991 Buddhas, each slightly different, it is constructed out of patches in reference to the legend in which the Buddha's favorite disciple divided a robe he was given into 30 pieces. Patchwork is also a sign of humility. Multiple Buddha images known as “thousand Buddha” designs are seen painted and sculpted on the walls of cave temples in India, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and China, but are rare on garments. The Four Heavenly Kings, guardians of the four directions, occupy the textile’s corners. When draped around the body, the inverted figures in the upper left corner appear right side up. Robes with 25 columns were worn by the highest-ranking clergy on ceremonial occasions.
The Five Transcendent Buddhas, who symbolize the purity of the five elements, are repeated around the edges.
silk and gold thread; embroidery
Overall: 119.4 x 302.1 cm (47 x 118 15/16 in.)
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund
Once upon a time, amidst the whispering winds of ancient trade routes, there traveled an exquisite piece of imperial embroidery—a remnant of a spiritual journey that transcends time and space. This remarkable artifact is cherished as one of the earliest surviving Chinese Buddhist robes, or kasaya, to grace the Western world.
Imagine it—a tapestry alive with color, patchworked meticulously to form a sacred narrative. Each patch tells a story of its own with subtle variations, collectively depicting 991 unique Buddhas. This number holds a profound significance, rooted deep in a legend that has been passed down through generations. It is said that the Buddha’s favorite disciple, in a moment of humility and reverence, divided a precious robe into 30 pieces. This act of patchwork artfully symbolizes not just a garment, but a testament to spiritual devotion and the essence of humility itself.
As we gaze upon this garment, our minds drift to the cave temples of India, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, where the myriad images of Buddhas are painted upon stone walls, sculpted with painstaking care. Yet, here, on fabric, this embodiment appears rare and extraordinary. It is a canvas of faith, linking the earthly realm to the divine.
At the corners of the robe stand the Four Heavenly Kings, guardians tasked with overseeing the four cardinal directions—powerful figures woven into the fabric, watching over those who don this sacred attire. A gentle revelation occurs when the robe is adorned; the figures in the upper left corner, once upside down, right themselves, illustrating the ever-present cycle of life and enlightenment.
As we delve deeper into the fabric's history, we learn that this kasaya, with its 25 columns, was reserved for the highest-ranking clergy during ceremonial occasions. Each column stands tall, a reminder of the weightiness of the responsibilities shouldered by those who spoke on behalf of the divine.
This exquisite piece is not merely an object; it is a narrative of faith, a dialogue between cultures, and a bridge connecting the ancient and modern worlds. Each thread intertwines lives, stories, and beliefs—an inspiring testament to our shared human experience and the timeless resonance of hope and humility woven into the very fabric of existence.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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