Gilt-bronze Lotus Flower Pattern Kei: A National Treasure of Heian Metalwork

Among the countless cultural treasures preserved in Kyoto's ancient temples, the Gilt-bronze Lotus Flower Pattern Kei (金銅蓮花文磬, Kondō Renge-mon Kei) stands as a remarkable testament to the artistic mastery of Japan's Heian period (794–1185). Owned by Zenrinji Temple — better known as Eikando — this exquisite Buddhist percussion instrument was designated a National Treasure in 1953, recognizing its outstanding artistic and historical significance. Currently entrusted to the Tokyo National Museum, this kei represents the pinnacle of gilt-bronze craftsmanship from the golden age of Japanese Buddhist art.

What Is a Kei? — The Sacred Sound of Buddhist Ritual

A kei (磬) is a Buddhist percussion instrument that originated in ancient China as a musical stone chime before being adopted into Buddhist liturgical practice. Shaped like an inverted "V" or chevron, the flat metal plate is suspended by a cord and struck with a small wooden mallet to produce a clear, resonant tone. The kei is used during Buddhist ceremonies and sutra chanting to mark the beginning and end of prayers, to signal transitions in rituals, and to create a meditative atmosphere within the temple hall.

At the center of each kei is a raised circular area called the tsukiza (撞座), modeled after the lotus reliefs found on large temple bells. The surfaces flanking the tsukiza are decorated with ornamental motifs, and it is these decorative patterns that give each kei its distinctive name — such as "Peacock Pattern Kei" or, in the case of this National Treasure, "Lotus Flower Pattern Kei." Only five kei in all of Japan have been designated as National Treasures, making this category of Buddhist metalwork exceedingly rare and precious.

Masterpiece of Heian Casting: Design and Craftsmanship

The Gilt-bronze Lotus Flower Pattern Kei of Zenrinji is a cast bronze piece with a gilded surface, measuring approximately 26.4 cm across the shoulders, 27.8 cm along the lower chord, and 10.3 cm in height. The tsukiza (striking area) has a diameter of 6.7 cm, and the entire piece weighs approximately 1,593.7 grams. The kei has a low, horizontally elongated profile — a characteristically elegant form associated with fine Heian-period examples.

What sets this kei apart is the remarkable quality of its cast decoration. Across both faces of the instrument, lotus arabesque (蓮唐草文, renge karakusa-mon) patterns are rendered in raised relief directly through the casting process, with the background filled by delicate nanako (魚々子) granulation — a technique creating a fine, fish-roe-like textured ground. The identical design on both sides demonstrates exceptional symmetry and technical control. The entire surface is then gilded, lending the piece its warm golden radiance.

According to the official cultural property database, the kei is praised for its superior design, refined form, and beautiful casting technique. The piece embodies the splendid aesthetic sensibility of the Heian period in full measure, representing one of the finest surviving examples of Buddhist metalwork from this era.

Why It Was Designated a National Treasure

The Gilt-bronze Lotus Flower Pattern Kei was designated a National Treasure on March 31, 1953, under Japan's Cultural Properties Protection Act. Several factors contributed to this prestigious recognition.

First, the kei exemplifies the highest level of Heian-period bronze casting. The lotus arabesque motifs are rendered with extraordinary precision and artistry, demonstrating mastery of the casting and gilding techniques that flourished during this culturally rich era. Second, the piece is remarkably well-preserved, maintaining its gilded surface and fine decorative details across more than a millennium. Third, it represents an extremely rare surviving example of a complete, high-quality Heian kei — among only five such instruments in Japan to hold National Treasure status. Fourth, the kei serves as invaluable evidence of the sophisticated liturgical culture that developed in Heian-period Buddhist temples, where even utilitarian ritual objects were crafted with the utmost artistic care.

Zenrinji Temple (Eikando): The Kei's Spiritual Home

Zenrinji Temple, universally known by its popular name Eikando, is the head temple of the Jōdo-shū Seizan Zenrinji School of Pure Land Buddhism, located in Kyoto's Sakyō Ward at the foot of the Higashiyama mountains. The temple was founded in 863 when Shinshō, a disciple of the great Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), established a Shingon Esoteric Buddhist training hall here. The site had originally been the mountain villa of the poet Fujiwara no Sekio.

The temple's history took a transformative turn under its seventh head priest, Yōkan (also read Eikan, 1033–1111), who converted the practice hall into a center for Pure Land nenbutsu devotion. Yōkan was renowned not only for his spiritual dedication but also for his charitable works, establishing medical facilities for the poor within the temple grounds. The temple's popular name "Eikando" derives from this beloved priest.

Today, Eikando is celebrated as one of Kyoto's most scenic temples, famed above all for its spectacular autumn foliage. The saying "Autumn means the maples of Eikando" (秋はもみじの永観堂) has been passed down for centuries. The temple also possesses another National Treasure — the Yamagoshi Amida-zu (Mountain-crossing Amida painting), a masterpiece of Kamakura-period Buddhist art — alongside the iconic "Mikaeri Amida" (Looking-back Amida) statue that serves as the temple's principal image.

Where and How to See the Kei

The Gilt-bronze Lotus Flower Pattern Kei is currently entrusted to the Tokyo National Museum (Tōhaku) in Ueno, Tokyo. It is displayed relatively frequently in the museum's permanent gallery (Room 13, Japanese Art), making it more accessible than many other National Treasures that are rarely exhibited. The piece has also been included in major special exhibitions, such as the 2017 "National Treasures" exhibition at the Kyoto National Museum.

At Eikando itself, the kei may occasionally be displayed during the annual Autumn Temple Treasure Exhibition (秋の寺宝展), which takes place from early to mid-November through early December. However, National Treasure items from Eikando are not always included in this event, so visitors hoping to see the kei at the temple should check the exhibition details in advance.

When viewing the kei at the Tokyo National Museum, take time to appreciate the fine granulation texture of the nanako ground, the fluid lines of the lotus arabesque, and the warm glow of the gilded surface. Viewing from different angles reveals how the identical patterns on both faces create a harmonious visual effect when the kei is suspended.

The Five National Treasure Kei of Japan

The Gilt-bronze Lotus Flower Pattern Kei belongs to an elite group of just five kei instruments designated as National Treasures. The other four are the Peacock Pattern Kei at Jizōin of Chūsonji Temple in Iwate Prefecture, the Gilt-bronze Hōsōge Pattern Kei at Takidanji Temple in Fukui Prefecture, another Peacock Pattern Kei at Usa Jingū in Ōita Prefecture, and the legendary Kagenkyō (Huayuan Qing) at Kōfukuji Temple in Nara. Together, these five treasures represent the finest achievements in Japanese Buddhist metalwork spanning from the Heian through Kamakura periods.

Nearby Attractions

A visit to Eikando offers the opportunity to explore one of Kyoto's most culturally rich neighborhoods. The temple sits at the southern end of the beloved Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no Michi), a picturesque canal-side walkway lined with cherry trees that runs northward to Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion). Just to the south lies Nanzenji, one of Kyoto's most important Zen temple complexes, where visitors can admire the massive Sanmon gate, the famous aqueduct, and serene sub-temple gardens. The Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art and the Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art in the nearby Okazaki area provide excellent cultural diversions. For nature lovers, the forested slopes of Higashiyama behind the temple offer peaceful hiking trails with panoramic views of the city.