Ohenro-gi are pilgrims‘ coats from the Shikoku Island 88 Temple Pilgrimage Route. Pilgrims, known as henro (遍路) travel upward of 750 miles over 60 days, stopping at temples along the way and receiving stamps on their robes. Pilgrims would carry little more than prayer beads, name slips, and sutra books in a bag slung over their shoulder. Note from the pictures the absence of stamps on the right shoulder; this pilgrim likely carried his bag on his right side.

The coat dates to the first half of the twentieth century, and is hand woven from heavy white cotton. There is some staining consistent with the length of such journey.

The pilgrim's name is written on the interior of the coat.

120 cm x 120 cm

Cotton

Early 20th century