70403-0007 - Buddhist Priests

A studio image of two Buddhist priests.

The priest on the left is holding Juzu prayer beads and a Hossu (払子) staf with bundled hair. The other is wearing Juzu as well, and a fan.

Both are wearing a monk’s stole, called Kesa, made of sumptuous silk brocade. Kesa are draped over one shoulder and under the opposite arm in order to wrap it around the body. They are believed to resemble a garment made for Buddha by his mother. Of a simple rectangular form, they have barely changed since Buddhism was first introduced in Japan during the sixth century.