Keman (“Flower Garland” Temple Decoration)

early 20th-century copy of 8th-century original

Not on view

Keman (Sanskrit: kusumamala) literally means “garland of flowers,” and refers to pendant decorative disks, usually made of bronze in the shape of a round fan (uchiwa), that are suspended from beams of inner sanctuary of a temple, above a Buddhist statue. They are thought to have their origin in the garlands of fresh flowers that were offered to nobles in ancient India. This pair of keman (with 25.229.2) are copies of 8th-century examples preserved at Horyūji Temple near Nara.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

華鬘
Title: Keman (“Flower Garland” Temple Decoration)
Artist: Niiro Chōnosuke
Date: early 20th-century copy of 8th-century original
Culture: Japan
Medium: Iron and wood
Dimensions: H. 18 in. (45.7 cm); W. 14 in. (35.6 cm)
Classification: Metalwork
Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1925
Object Number: 25.229.1
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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