Buddhist Priest's Mantle (Kesa), 18th or 19th century. Museum no. T.91-1913

Buddhist priest's mantle (or kesa)
Japan
18th or 19th century
Silk brocade
Museum no. T.91-1913

Buddhist Priest`s Mantle or Kesa; tapestry weave with pictures of birds (peacocks, herons, storks and doves); a woman with birds feet, flying through a stylised  coloured sky of yellow, with clouds of blue, green,  brown, orange & red. Below is a stylised  representation of a foaming sea (blue and white semi-circles) and rocks. The design also includes six orange squares with three yellow edged green circles.