Unknown Maker, Japanese

Though it appears to be a mosaic patchwork, the intricately patterned Ewe chief’s mantle was woven in narrow strips by master weavers then pieced together. This work, of a type called adanudo (skilled/wise cloths), was commissioned by an individual of means. The Japanese monk’s stole features a patchwork organization that symbolizes the vows of poverty taken by monks following Buddhist teachings. The materials it was made from were likely donated to a temple by a family seeking blessings. [See also 2017.41.1].