Robe of Master Zhanran

CHINA; Tang dynasty

This robe was originally used by Master Zhanran, the 9th Patriarch of the Tiantai school of Chinese Buddhism, in the 8th century, during the Tang dynasty. It was inherited by Master Saicho, the founder of Tendai school of Japanese Buddhism, who took it to Japan. It has been preserved in Enryakuji Temple since then, and was listed as a National Treasure of Japan in 1966.
Made of linen, the robe consists of seven vertical strips, each of which has three panels. The panels are colored in a similar fashion with red, yellow, light blue, brown, and white being the main colors creating a mottled effect. They are bordered by strips of dark red cloth to delineate the fields of merit. The back of the robe is light brown, and there is an embroidered inscription on the right of the bottom edge.