These fan-shaped Buddhist ornaments, made from cowhide, are called keman. Each has a pair of phoenixes and an elaborate ornamental knot (Jpn. agemaki) that are rendered in carved open work on a lotus arabesque (hasu-karakusa) ground. Various pigments have been applied over the black lacquer surfaces. They have ornamental gilt-bronze edging and metal fittings attached at the top. These ornaments are said to have come from the Hokke-dō (Sangatsu-dō) Hall at Tōdai-ji Temple.
Object label
Keman (Pendant ornament in Buddhist sanctuary)
Hide, painted
H 38.5, W 48.0 (each)
Kamakura period 13th century
- D017643
- D017643
- 1997/03/11
- A024946
- 1997/03/11
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| Accession Number | 931-0 |
|---|---|
| Category | Decorative Arts |
| Bibliography | Masterpieces from the Collection of the Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 1997, 350p. (Japanese) Illustrated Catalogue of the Collection of Nara National Museum: Buddhist Implements. Nara National Museum, 1992, 121p. (Japanese) |
Related Objects
| Accession Number | Image | Object Name/Title |
|---|---|---|
| 931-1 |
|
Keman (Pendant ornament in Buddhist sanctuary) |
| 931-2 |
|
Keman (Pendant ornament in Buddhist sanctuary) |
| Accession Number | 931-1 |
|---|---|
| Image |
|
| Object Name/Title | Keman (Pendant ornament in Buddhist sanctuary) |
| Accession Number | 931-2 |
|---|---|
| Image |
|
| Object Name/Title | Keman (Pendant ornament in Buddhist sanctuary) |