Kasuga Mandala

13th century

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.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

春日宮曼荼羅図
Title: Kasuga Mandala
Period: Kamakura period (1185–1333)
Date: 13th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk
Dimensions: Image: 35 1/2 × 16 3/4 in. (90.2 × 42.5 cm)
Overall with mounting: 63 1/2 × 23 1/8 in. (161.3 × 58.7 cm)
Overall with knobs: 63 1/2 × 25 1/2 in. (161.3 × 64.8 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Gift of Takemitsu Oba, 1993
Object Number: 1993.446
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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