Keman

Keman (華鬘(けまん)) (Japanese phoneticization from the Sanskrit kusumamālā "Garland of Flowers"[2]), is a Buddhist ritual decoration, placed hanging on the beam of the inner sanctuary before the enshrined Buddha, in the main hall of the temple.[3]

For the stringed instrument, see Kemenche.
A keman from Iemitsu mausoleum at Shiba temple (Zōjō-ji), gilt bronze ca. 1630. Figures are prob. karyobinga though identified as Kwannon in catalog.[1]

As its Sanskrit name suggests, it originated as a term for fresh flowers strung together and tied in a loop,[2] but became a name for such implements as used to pay respect to the dead (hotoke),[2] and eventually signified ritual implements ornamenting the inner sanctuary (naijin (内陣), corresponding to the chancel of a church.[2]

They are typically made from gilt bronze in the shape of a round fan (uchiwa).[3] Other materials used for making it are oxhide,[2] wooden boards,[2][3] or threads.[2][3] The design may feature karyobinga (harpy-like beings), or use foliage scroll-work (karakusa) combined with the hōsōge (imaginary peony-like floral pattern), lotus, or peony.[2] A well-known example is the keman from the Golden Hall of Chūson-ji in Northern Japan, designated National Treasure.

References
  1. Matsuki, Bunkio (1903). Catalogue of rare objects in brass, leathers and wood illustrating the art of old Japan: to be sold at unrestricted public sale by order of Bunkio Matsuki : the sale will be conducted by Thomas E. Kirby of the American Art Association (google). American Art Association. p. 2.
  2. Shinchosha (1985). 新潮世界美術事典 (Shincho Encyclopedia of World Art). Shinchosha. ISBN 4-10-730206-7.
  3. Tokyo National Museum (1976). 和英対照日本美術鑑賞の手引(An Aid to the Understanding of Japanese Art). (revised edition; 1964 first ed.), p.132/133


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