Engakuji Temple: Sitting Mat of Master Wuxue Zuyuan

JAPAN, Kanagawa, Kamakura

The sitting mat is one of the six possessions of an ordained monk. This embroidered sitting mat belonged to Master Wuxue Zuyuan, also known as Mugaku Sogen, the founder of Engakuji temple in Kamakura. The mat was made using patches of cloth in a manner similar to the making of a monastic robe.
The rectangular silk mat is made up of vividly colored triangular and diamond shape patches with a black border. Each patch of silk has a floral design. The leaves of the flowers are outlined in gold and silver, producing a glittering effect. The main colors are orange, beige, light and dark blue, and black. The border is black with a light scroll leaf pattern, providing a strong contrast with the rest of the mat.