noun
decorative end cap of a roof tile
Refers to the ornamental disk or face at the end of a semi-cylindrical eave tile, often with patterns or inscriptions. Related to 軒丸瓦 (round eave-end tile) and 軒平瓦 (flat eave-end tile).
この瓦当には蓮の模様が刻まれている。
This decorative roof-tile end is carved with a lotus pattern.
古い寺院の軒先で、美しい瓦当を見つけた。
I found a beautiful decorative tile end under the eaves of an old temple.
From 瓦 (tile) and 当 (end, tip). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term describes the ornamental end piece of a roof tile.