noun
kihōmon pattern; mythical bird design on ancient Chinese bronzes
Rare technical term for a decorative motif featuring a fantastic birdlike creature, found on Yin and Zhou dynasty bronze ware. Used in art history and archaeology contexts.
See also: 文様
殷周青銅器には夔鳳文と呼ばれる文様がよく見られる。
A pattern called kihōmon is often seen on Yin and Zhou bronze ware.
文様 is a general term for patterns or designs, while 夔鳳文 refers specifically to this ancient Chinese mythical bird motif.
From Chinese 夔鳳文 (kuí fèng wén), literally 'kui-phoenix pattern'. The exact derivation is uncertain; the spelling is conventionally associated with this ancient motif.