Buddhist Priest's Robe (kashaya)

Buddhist priest robe of K'ang Hsi blue k'ossu with gored end. Mnay five-clawed dragons in gold, those in the border having th symbolic universe design below. The small squares representing Buddha's mendicant days are alternately filled with gold dragons and large peony blossoms in shades of red, pink, and green. The shaped gores are filled with peony blossom and trailing tendrils. Upper border contains loose cloud forms and bats in end sections. Colors include green, red, pink, yellow, olive green , puce, mauve, yellow coral, peach and burnt orange. Compare treatment of clouds, wave border and dragons with the K'ang Hsi robes. K'ossu broken in many spots. The squared and gored areas set off with bindings of yellow satin. Lined with thin rose silk. Canopy flap with standard design, at center of upper top.