(Japanese phoneticization from the Sanskrit kusumamālā "Garland of Flowers"), 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. (revised edition; 1964 first ed.), p.132/133
As its Sanskrit name suggests, it originated as a term for fresh flowers strung together and tied in a loop, but became a name for such implements as used to pay respect to the dead (hotoke), and eventually signified ritual implements ornamenting the inner sanctuary (), corresponding to the chancel of a church.
They are typically made from gilt bronze in the shape of a round fan (uchiwa). Other materials used for making it are oxhide, wooden boards, or threads. 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. A well-known example is the keman from the Golden Hall of Chūson-ji in Northern Japan, designated National Treasure.
Popular culture 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
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