Tibetan Buddhist ritual silk patchwork

Composed of Ming silk damasks put together in the 18th century
Measurements: 29″ square | 72cm square
Mounted

These patchworks were often found in Buddhist monasteries and were said to represent the absence of the Buddha. The act of stitching ritual textiles like the copying of Buddhist scriptures was considered a devotional pursuit. (a literal translation of the word “Sutra” is a stitch with intent)

Lit: Similar example in Chinese and Central Asian Textiles, Selected articles from Orientations 1993-1997, Designs on Early Chinese textiles – Regina Krahl, p.67 Geometrics and Roundabouts, Gary Dickenson, published Linda Wrigglesworth 1997