Mandala of the Two Realms (J. Ryōkai Mandara)

Color on silk

Kamakura period　14th century

Mandala of the Two Realms (J. Ryōkai Mandara)
  • H054080
Mandala of the Two Realms (J. Ryōkai Mandara)_0
  • H054080
  • 2021/04/02
Mandala of the Two Realms (J. Ryōkai Mandara)_1
  • H054090
  • 2021/04/02

More

The realms of esoteric Buddhism (mikkyō) are expressed in the mandalas of the Diamond World (Skt. Vajradhātu; J. Kongōkai) and the Womb World (Skt. Garbhadhātu; J. Taizōkai). Painted on enormous pieces of seamless silk, the deities of these realms are brought to life in rich and boldly contrasting pigments. These mandalas are thought to be closely modeled after the authoritative iconographies that Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi; 774–835) brought back to Japan from Tangdynasty China.
 
HAGIYA MidoriEnglish by Mary Lewine 
Buddhist Art Paradise: Jewels of the Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 2021.7, p.344, no.90. 

Accession Number 1520-0
Category Paintings
Bibliography Buddhist Art Paradise: Jewels of the Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 2021.7, 354p.

Page Top