Embroidered Robe

CHINA; Ming dynasty

This robe was created during the early Ming dynasty and may have been an imperial gift to an important Tibetan lama.
Rectangular in shape, the robe is divided into 25 vertical bands, each consists of four long panels and one short panel. It is embroidered with colored threads together with gold thread on a red background. The Five Dhyani Buddhas are repeated around the edges, symbolizing the purity of the five elements, five colors, five wisdoms, and five directions. At the top center, there is a representation of the Triple Gem: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. At the bottom center is a Dharma wheel on a square base. Four Heavenly Kings stand in the corners, each holding various objects. The vertical bands have small seated Buddhas interspersed with lotuses and swastikas.