Deer Mandala

Currently not on view

Deer Mandala

17th century

Artist/maker unknown, Japanese

Deer are considered to be the sacred messengers of Shinto deities. They are often depicted in mandalas such as this one from the Kasuga Shrine, built by the powerful Fujiwara clan in the early eighth century to protect the family and the new capital city, Nara. Here a white stag rides on a cloud, symbolizing his role as a messenger between earth and the gods. On his saddle is a branch of the sacred sakaki tree and a mirror, which, along with the sword and the jewel, is one of the three sacred symbols of Shinto.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Deer Mandala

Date:

17th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Japanese

Medium:

Color on silk; mounted as a hanging scroll

Dimensions:

35 7/8 × 15 3/8 inches (91.2 × 39 cm) Mount: 62 13/16 × 20 1/8 inches (159.5 × 51.1 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Purchased with the Hollis Fund for East Asian Art Acquisitions, the J. Stogdell Stokes Fund, and the George W.B. Taylor Fund, 2005

Accession Number:

2005-145-1

Geography:

Made in Japan, Asia

Context:

Period: Edo Period (1615-1868)

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Currently not on view