Pilgrimage Mandala of Nachi Shrine

early 14th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
This large painting of sacred sites in the Kumano region re-creates the experience of a pilgrimage, allowing those unable to journey there the ability to accrue merit through engagement with the painted image. Pilgrim-viewers begin the trip at the sea depicted at the bottom of the painting and make their way into the mountains, passing through a number of important locations on their way to the base of Nachi Waterfall, which can be seen in the upper right corner.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 那智参詣曼荼羅図
  • Title: Pilgrimage Mandala of Nachi Shrine
  • Period: Nanbokuchō period (1336–92)
  • Date: early 14th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
  • Dimensions: Overall with mounting: 80 1/2 × 71 9/16 in. (204.5 × 181.7 cm)
    Image: 59 7/8 × 64 3/4 in. (152.1 × 164.5 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Lent by Gitter-Yelen Collection
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art