Minneapolis Institute of Art

Buddhist priest's robe (kashaya)

China

Date

Qianlong period, 1736–1795

Medium

Silk

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This robe is made up of columns of colorful fabric squares decorated with lotus blossoms, separated by long vertical strips depicting airborne five-clawed dragons. The dragons cavorting within the celestial landscape suggests its imperial association. Lotus flowers are associated with purity in Buddhism, as their fragrant and beautiful blossoms grow out of dark and murky waters. China, Asia

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