Description:

A JAPANESE BUDDHIST PRIEST BULLION AND BLUE SILK BROCADE KESA ROBE, 18TH/19TH CENTURY, of rectangular form and a conforming broad panels border of repeating spread winged phoenix partially covering blossoming paulownia foliage in colors of pale blue, soft golden yellow, copper red and burnt orange on a silvery gray ground, enclosing vertical rows and square form patches continuing same phoenix and paulownia foliage pattern, professionally mounted within a custom acrylic shadow box and giltwood frame. Height: 43 1/2" Width: 71 1/2" Note: The repeating phoenix partially shading the blossoming paulownia foliage pattern points to the original ownership of this textile as having been the Empress symbolized by the phoenix and her ancestral Fujiwara family symbolized by the blossoming paulownia foliage. Furthermore the paulownia blossoms traditionally have two three bud stems flanking a central five bud stem, but the paulownia blossoms used exclusively by the Empress and her Fujiwara family are two five bud stems flanking a seven bud stem which are found in this repeating pattern. This suggests that this was originally a textile used by the Empress or commissioned by her and then given as a gift to a Buddhist monk or shrine, where it was then cut and assembled according to the traditional rules for a Japanese kesa robe. Historically the Japanese Emperor always selected his wife Empress from the Fujiwara family. Provenance: Property from a Fortune 500 Energy Company, Houston, Texas.

  • Notes: Textile
  • Condition: Overall good gently worn condition with some expected stains, discolored areas, small holes, wear, loose threads, splits, old repairs and slightly faded throughout. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS.”

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September 21, 2019 1:00 PM CDT
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