Shichijo Shino Kesa (Seven-Panel Stitched Kesa)

A Rare Hemp Kesa Brought from Tang China

The Shichijo Shino Kesa (Seven-Panel Stitched Kesa) (七条刺納袈裟) is a Tang-dynasty seven-panel kesa owned by Enryakuji in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, which in 1966 was designated a National Treasure.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a single kesa owned by Enryakuji.

According to the Agency, it is recorded as having been used by Jingxi, the sixth patriarch of Chinese Tiantai, and has long been said to have been brought from Tang China by Dengyo Daishi (Saicho).

Construction

According to the Agency, in shino the first character means embroidery and the second patching, so this is in effect a quilted seven-panel kesa with a monk's robe.

The kesa is hemp, embroidered here and there with clusters of hemp thread in pale red, light blue, brown and white and with pieces of purple hemp; its colours are vivid and it is well preserved. The robe, of plain silk embroidered with pieces of coloured cloth, is said to have been used by the Tiantai founder, Tiantai Daishi.

What to Look For

The Agency notes that no hemp example survives even at the Shosoin or Horyuji, making it an extremely rare survival.

It has been handed down at Enryakuji as a vestment linked with Saicho's introduction of the Tendai school.

Visiting the Shichijo Shino Kesa (Seven-Panel Stitched Kesa)

The kesa is owned by Enryakuji and is not always on display; check the temple's announcements.