also: しちほう
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.
Buddhist scriptures list gold, silver, pearls, and others as the seven treasures.
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
This vase is cloisonné, and its fine patterns are beautiful.
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
The obi has a shippō pattern woven into it.
shippō emblem
Only with reading しっぽう
A family crest or emblem featuring the shippō pattern. Used in heraldry and traditional design.
This family's crest is the shippō emblem.
shippō pattern; seven treasures pattern
cloisonné ware
shippō pattern; overlapping circles pattern
Standard kanji spelling for all senses. The reading しっぽう is the most common.
Alternate reading, rarely used. May appear in older or formal contexts.
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.