Priest's Robe (Shichijō)

Art Historical Context

This exquisite Priest's Robe, known as *Shichijō*, hails from Japan's Edo period (1615–1868), a time of relative peace and cultural flourishing under the Tokugawa shogunate. Crafted from luxurious silk, the robe measures an impressive 46 x 72 inches, designed to drape elegantly over a Buddhist priest's form during rituals. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1919 through the Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, it exemplifies the refined textiles of Asian Art traditions, classified as a costume piece that bridges artistry and spirituality. Silk, a hallmark of Japanese craftsmanship, was woven w...