Used kimono worn during Buddhist rituals at Tōdaiji (close-up details)

Used paper kimono worn during Buddhist rituals at Tōdaiji. Made by Mashiko Endō, out of her own paper. Given to her as a gift after it was used during a series of annual rituals. During the rituals, participating monks carry big basket torches into the hall, and thus they get blackened with soot and sparks from the fire. One way to pray to the Buddha is to put both feet, hands, head, and body on the ground, which is called "Gotai Tōuchi", and which causes the paper kimono to become marked and torn. Detail