Buddhist Ornament (Keman)

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Buddhist Ornament (Keman)

15th century

Artist/maker unknown, Japanese

Keman are hung from the rafters of Japanese Buddhist temple halls. This gilded copper example is in the shape of a round fan, with small rings around the outer edge that would have held additional gilded metal ornaments or small bells. Keman are believed to have originated from the flower garlands used in India to decorate Buddhist sculptures; this floral ancestry is reflected here in the motifs of lotus blossoms and ribbon ties.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Buddhist Ornament (Keman)

Date:

15th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Japanese

Medium:

Gilded copper

Dimensions:

14 x 14 x 5/8 inches (35.6 x 35.6 x 1.6 cm)

Classification:

Architecture (including fragments)

Credit Line:

Purchased with the Hollis Family Foundation Fund, 2001

Accession Number:

2001-84-1

Geography:

Possibly made in Japan, Asia

Context:

Period: Muromachi Period (1392-1573)

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