henzan 偏衫

Also pronounced hensan, or called fukuken-e 覆肩衣, which literally means garment covering the shoulders. A long, narrow strip of cloth worn as an undergarment by Buddhist priests, and found on Buddhist statues. The henzan originated in Wei dynasty China. It was worn under the *kesa 袈裟 (outer robe), which was brought from India, and worn diagonally with the right shoulder exposed *hentan uken 偏袒右肩. The henzan was an adaptation for the colder climate of China to cover the exposed shoulder, and provide an extra layer of protection. It is sometimes sewn together with the *gishi 祇支 to make a single undergarment.