Artwork preview

Iconographical Drawing of the Mandala of the Wisdom King Aizen

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image depicts a scroll with a central rectangular panel containing nine Buddhist deity figures. The panel is off-white, with a gold border around it. The border has a patterned design. Inside the panel, there are nine figures arranged in three rows of three. The top row features three figures sitting cross-legged on clouds or thrones, with elaborate hair and robes. The middle row has one large figure in the center surrounded by a circle, with two smaller circular images on either side; these side images show seated figures. The bottom row consists of three more seated figures, each outside a circle. The entire panel is set against a gold background that resembles aged silk or paper, with darker spots visible at the top. Two straps are attached to the top of the scroll. All figures have serene expressions and are adorned with intricate details such as jewelry and ornate clothing. The overall design suggests an iconographical representation related to Buddhist teachings, specifically "The Mandala of the Wisdom King Aizen".

Artwork Details

Date
1107 (Kashō 2)
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink on paper
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
468 × 624 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette