Hossō Mandala

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Hossō Mandala by an unknown artist depicts a large central figure of a Buddha-like deity seated on a lotus flower, wearing a crown and multiple necklaces, with a serene facial expression. The deity sits atop a multi-colored platform with a pink dragon on the front, surrounded by a halo and radiating lines. Eight objects resembling swords or daggers radiate from the halo. The deity wears a green robe over a white garment, with a red cloth visible on the chest. The figure has long blue hair adorned with jewelry. Below the central figure, numerous smaller figures of people are arranged in rows, some sitting cross-legged on platforms or on the floor on a green diamond-patterned surface. The people wear simple robes. The entire image is framed by a thin gold border on a dark blue background. Small rectangular symbols are scattered throughout the image.