Keman

For the stringed instrument, see Kemenche.

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]

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.

Popular culture

• keman-sō (ケマンソウ) is the Japanese name for the wildflower "Lamprocapnos spectabilis" (also known under genus Dicentra; common name "bleeding heart"), so named because the flower's shape resembles the keman ornament.

See also

• Phuang malai