A Hand Stitched Cotton Pilgrim's Kimono: Hand Writing in Sumi

early to mid twentieth century
43" x 47", 109 cm x 119.5 cm

This beautiful and visually powerful simple cotton pilgrim's kimono is a completely hand stitched and shows a vertical row of hand writing down the center of the proper back of the garment.

It is the type of jacket worn by Buddhist pilgrims as they travel a prescribed pilgrimage route and as they make their way from one temple to the other along the route.

Often, especially in the old days, this pilgrimage was done on foot and was an arduous and time-consuming act of devotion. Therefore coats such as these show a good deal of wear; this one shows ingrained dirt and some stains which make it clear that this garment was worn in the service of a pilgrimage.

The red colored stamps also indicate that temples were visited as a stamp was received from each temple the pilgrim prayed in.

The hand writing on the back seems to read "Namu Amida Butsu" which can be translated to mean "total reliance upon the compassion of Amida Buddha." This indicates that the pilgrim was part of or practiced Jodo Shu Buddhism.

A very good looking garment and one that has served its wearer well--and must have good vibes, which are especially important now.

Recommended.