Robe of Master Honen

CHINA; Song dynasty

According to historical records, Master Chogen brought this monastic robe back to Japan from his trip to China during the Song dynasty. He later gave it to Master Honen of the Pure Land school. It is listed as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
The robe is rectangular with nine vertical strips, each divided into three sections with various types of embroidered patterns. The central section features Sakyamuni Buddha sitting in full lotus position on Mount Sumeru. At the corners, there are the Four Heavenly Kings, and other images dispersed throughout the piece include the sun, moon, dragons, birds, a lotus pond, and the four continents floating on the ocean. In addition, there are a hunter and a wounded lion, an emperor wearing a crown, flying clouds, and two ladies standing near a tower on a cloud. The borders are decorated with various patterns and there is a swastika in each corner.
The field-like sections use yellow, fine, and thin cloth with plain woven silk underneath. The edges, vertical stripes, and corners on the back are made of layers of fine light blue silk.