fixtures and fittings

Keman (華鬘(けまん)) (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.


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 (naijin (内陣), corresponding to the chancel of a church.