Japanese Buddhist Pilgrimage Garment

Collected stamps, worn on the chest. Some travelers keep a scrapbook; this one could be put on.

This Buddhist pilgrimage garment comes from Japan, made around 1920 in hemp. Japanese pilgrims on temple circuits often had a garment, scroll or book stamped with each temple's red seal as a record of the journey, and the custom continues today. The coat is cut in a simple kimono shape with wide sleeves and a long collar band, in a soft grey-violet. Red seal impressions are scattered across the chest and collar in squares, ovals and lotus-like rounds. A pale patterned lining shows at the neck. It is 50.5 inches wide and 43.5 long.

Proof of attendance, issued one temple at a time.