also: しちほう
noun
the seven treasures (Buddhism)
Buddhist term referring to seven precious substances: gold, silver, pearls, agate, crystal, coral, and lapis lazuli. The exact list can vary by sutra.
仏教の経典には、七宝として金、銀、真珠などが挙げられている。
Buddhist scriptures list gold, silver, pearls, and others as the seven treasures.
noun
cloisonné ware
Abbreviation of 七宝焼き (shippō-yaki). Refers to the enamelware technique where metal wires form cloisons filled with colored enamel.
See also: 七宝焼き
この花瓶は七宝で、細かい模様が美しい。
This vase is cloisonné, and its fine patterns are beautiful.
noun
shippō pattern (overlapping circles)
Only with reading しっぽう
Abbreviation of 七宝つなぎ (shippō-tsunagi). A traditional Japanese geometric pattern of interlocking circles, often used in textiles and design.
See also: 七宝つなぎ
着物の帯に七宝の文様が織り込まれている。
The obi has a shippō pattern woven into it.
noun
shippō emblem
Only with reading しっぽう
A family crest or emblem featuring the shippō pattern. Used in heraldry and traditional design.
この家の家紋は七宝です。
This family's crest is the shippō emblem.
From the Buddhist concept of the seven treasures (七宝). The cloisonné and pattern senses derive from the precious, intricate nature associated with the treasures.