National Treasures & Important Cultural Properties
of National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Japan

　　As far as existing works are concerned, the paper fan shape was adopted as the shape of the Buddhist pendants in the Heian period (794–1185), but the shape of a flower garland like a Hawaiian lei appeared in the Kamakura period (1185–1333). These two types became the mainstream thereafter. This garland shaped pendant is similar to the original pendants thought to have been derived from a garland woven using real flowers in ancient India. These six pieces of the bronze seed syllable pendants are originally handed down to the Hyōzu Taisha Shrine in Shiga Prefecture. They can be described as the combined shape of a paper fan and a flower garland and downward facing lotus flowers placed in several layers form the fan shaped flower garland. A hanging ring is attached on the top center and some ornaments are also hung from the bottom edge. There is also the Sanskrit seed syllable representing Dainichi (Skt. Mahāvairocana) in the Diamond World (Skt. Vajradhātu) with a boat-shaped halo surrounded by flames on a lotus flower shaped pedestal. On both sides of the halo, the tied string is presented as if it is the Buddha canopy of the seed syllable. The surface and back have the same design. They are generally quite large and have a dignified style. According to the techniques and styles, they are believed to have been made at the very end of the Kamakura period.