Star Mandala

Currently not on view

Star Mandala

Late 17th century

Artist/maker unknown, Japanese

At the center of this mandala, a representation of the Buddhist cosmos, the bodhisattva Kokūzō sits on a lotus-shaped throne and holds a lotus flower topped with flaming jewels. The disc encompassing Kokūzō is wreathed in clouds against the night sky. Two groups of deities form the outer rings of this mandala. The inner circle shows twenty-eight bodhisattvas, each paired with a constellation, representing the lunar mansions (J. Shuku, C. Xiu) that are central to East Asian astrology. The outermost ring depicts thirty-six guardian deities sitting with animals of the Chinese zodiac. This mandala may have been used in esoteric Buddhist rites to venerate celestial bodies, to ward off natural catastrophes, or to pray for worldly needs such as good health and harvests.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Star Mandala

Date:

Late 17th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Japanese

Medium:

Gold and colors on wood

Dimensions:

21 1/2 inches (54.6 cm) Framed: 29 5/8 x 31 5/8 x 6 3/8 in. (75.2 x 80.3 x 16.2 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Gift of the Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1978

Accession Number:

1978-45-2

Geography:

Made in Japan, Asia

Context:

Period: Edo Period (1615-1868)

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Currently not on view