Robe of Master Zhiyi

CHINA; Sui dynasty

This is a fragment from a 6th century silk monastic robe worn by Master Zhiyi, the founder of the Tiantai school. It was one of the artifacts brought back to Japan by Master Saicho, who introduced the Tiantai teachings in Japan. It is one of the oldest Dharma robes in Japan, and was listed as a National Treasure of Japan in 1966.
The robe measures 53.5 cm across the shoulders, and the collar is 11.5 cm wide. It was finely sewn together with three layers of raw silk. Between the inner and outer layers, there is plainly woven raw silk fabric in various colors, including light yellow, purple, and white. The crossover collars are decorated with embroidered hems, and the robe is tied with a dragonfly-style band. The lower part is made of thin silk cloth with fine cloud and lotus patterns. Sleeves and many other parts are damaged or missing, but the skill with which it was created is still evident.