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Diamond World Mandala (Kongokai Mandara)

Muromachi period (1392–1573)
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
Painted Japanese Esoteric Buddhist Mandalas of Both Worlds are generally divided into three types based on how their main deities are presented. Many show the Buddha Dainichi Nyorai (Sanskrit: Mahavairochana Buddha) and his multiple emanations in figural form. In other Mandalas of Both Worlds, the deities are represented by their attributes (sanmai yagyō), typically ritual implements such as vajras or katsumas. This mandala is from a pair in which the deities are represented as the Sanskrit seed syllables (shuji) with which they are associated.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Diamond World Mandala (Kongokai Mandara)
  • Period: Muromachi period (1392–1573)
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: One of a pair of hanging scrolls; gold on indigo-dyed paper
  • Dimensions: Overall with mounting: 48 x 27 1/4 in. (121.9 x 69.2 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Lent by Sylvan Barnet and William Burto Collection
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art