# goshikimaku
**Wikidata**: [Q11372623](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11372623)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/goshikimaku

## Summary
Goshikimaku is a traditional Japanese Buddhist curtain or hanging fabric, characterized by its five-colored design. It belongs to the broader category of *maku* (Japanese cloths used for curtains and awnings) and is typically found in Buddhist temples in Japan. The term "goshikimaku" literally translates to "five-color curtain," reflecting its vibrant, symbolic color scheme.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Pentad (a group of five elements, in this case, colors).
- **Subclass of**: *Maku* (Japanese ceremonial or functional cloth).
- **Aliases**: 五色幔幕 (Japanese kanji for "five-color curtain").
- **Primary location**: Buddhist temples in Japan.
- **Sitelink count**: 3 (indicating references across Wikimedia projects).
- **Commons category**: Goshikimaku (housing related media).
- **Wikipedia coverage**: Available in Japanese (ja) and Chinese (zh) languages.
- **Visual example**: Depicted in images such as *Daiedo Danjogaran Koyasan Kongobuji-temple.JPG* on Wikimedia Commons.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of goshikimaku in Buddhist temples?
A: Goshikimaku serves as a ceremonial curtain or hanging, often used to adorn sacred spaces or objects within Buddhist temples. Its five colors hold symbolic significance in Buddhist tradition.

### Q: What does the term "goshikimaku" literally mean?
A: The term translates to "five-color curtain" (五色幔幕), emphasizing its distinctive five-colored design.

### Q: Where can examples of goshikimaku be seen?
A: They are commonly found in Japanese Buddhist temples, such as the Kongobuji Temple at Koyasan, as documented in photographic records.

## Why It Matters
Goshikimaku plays a meaningful role in Japanese Buddhist practice, blending aesthetic tradition with religious symbolism. Its five-color design reflects Buddhist cosmology and the harmony of elements, making it a visually striking and spiritually resonant artifact. As a subclass of *maku*, it highlights the broader cultural significance of textiles in Japanese ritual and architecture. While not widely known outside specialized contexts, its presence in historic temples underscores its enduring relevance to Buddhist ceremonial life and Japan's material culture.

## Notable For
- **Five-color symbolism**: Represents the five elements or aspects of Buddhist philosophy, though specific interpretations may vary.
- **Religious function**: Integral to temple decor and rituals, distinguishing it from purely functional *maku*.
- **Cultural preservation**: Embodies traditional Japanese textile craftsmanship and Buddhist iconography.
- **Documentation**: Featured in Wikimedia Commons and multilingual Wikipedia entries, ensuring accessibility for scholarly and public interest.

## Body
### Definition and Classification
Goshikimaku is a specialized type of *maku* (Japanese cloth) defined by its five-colored composition. As a subclass of *maku*, it shares functional roots but is distinguished by its ceremonial and symbolic role in Buddhist contexts.

### Design and Symbolism
The curtain's five colors (typically including blue, yellow, red, white, and black) are rooted in Buddhist tradition, though explicit symbolic meanings are not detailed in the source material. The design adheres to a pentadic structure, reflecting a harmonious grouping of elements.

### Usage in Temples
Primarily used in Japanese Buddhist temples, goshikimaku may adorn altars, gateways, or sacred spaces. Its presence in sites like Koyasan's Kongobuji Temple illustrates its integration into religious architecture and practice.

### Cultural and Historical Context
As a documented artifact with sitelinks in Japanese and Chinese Wikipedia, goshikimaku represents a convergence of religious, artistic, and textile traditions. Its representation in Wikimedia Commons (e.g., *Daiedo Danjogaran Koyasan Kongobuji-temple.JPG*) provides visual evidence of its historical and contemporary use.