華鬘|Keman (Decorative Pendant Disk)

Unknown

13th century · Gilt bronze and silver · Asian Art

Pendant disks known as keman, thought to have originated as floral wreaths placed before Buddhist altars as votive offerings, are an integral part of the interior decor of the Buddhist temple. They are generally suspended from columns or from the outer edges of the canopy above the altar platform. This exceptionally well-crafted example features a pair of facing birds modeled in relief, their wings outstretched as if caught in midflight.

Artist

Unknown

Date

13th century

Medium

Gilt bronze and silver

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of John M. Crawford Jr., 1968