Kasuga Mandala

Japan

Not on view

When the imperial court moved to Nara in the early eighth century, the Kasuga area became an important Shinto site. Here, the Kasuga Shrine and its environs are depicted in bird’s-eye perspective with Mount Mikasa, the sacred mountain, at top. Viewing this mandala could function as a virtual pilgrimage. Dedicated to the veneration of the Fujiwara clan’s tutelary kami, the Kasuga Shrine legitimized and strengthened the position of the family in politics and society.

Kasuga Mandala, Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk, Japan

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Kasuga Mandala, Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk, Japan
Kasuga Mandala, Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk, Japan
Kasuga Mandala, Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk, Japan
Kasuga Mandala, Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk, Japan

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.