Buddhist Kesa in Basel
The Museum de Kulturen, Basel is marking the occasion of “150 years of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Switzerland” with an exhibition of kesa, ‘From Patchwork to Enlightenment – The Buddhist Monk’s Robe’ 22 August 2014 until 22 March 2015.
There are forty garments in the show that has been curated by artist and art historian Walter Bruno Brix. The patchwork kesa were meticulously stitched together as a form of meditation, allowing contemplation on the present moment and the production of a perfectly regular seam. The robes stand for poverty and non-adherence to worldly things. They have a strict formula, whereby rectangular sections of cloth are joined to form ‘columns’. The number of columns that make up the robe is always odd, different sizes being worn for particular activities; a five-column kesa for everyday wear, a seven-column kesa for the reading of scriptures, and a nine-column kesa for preaching and ceremonial occasions. Buddhist monks and nuns were expected to carry a full set of three kesa with them at all times, but the bulky nature of the largest garments led to miniature versions of these being carried instead.
Yakushi Nyorai – Medicine Buddha, wooden sculpture, Japan 18th – 19th century
kajibaori – fire protection jacket, wool, imported from Europe, 19th century
karaori – Noh theatre costume, complex silk fabric, Japan, 18th century
Miniature kesa for travelling, silk, Europe, 2013 – 2014
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