noun
Buddhist flower-offering vase
A specialized vase used in Buddhist rituals to hold flower offerings, often made of gilded copper. Not a general term for a decorative vase.
仏壇の前に、金箔を施した花瓶が置かれていた。
A gilded flower-offering vase was placed in front of the Buddhist altar.
Common word for a general decorative vase. 花瓶 (けびょう) is a specific Buddhist ritual object, not an everyday vase.
From Middle Chinese 花瓶 (MC hwæ beng), a Buddhist term for a flower vase used in offerings. The reading けびょう reflects the go-on pronunciation.