Taizō-kai Mandara
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Object Label
The mandala (or mandara, in Japanese) is a diagrammatic tool used by Buddhists to guide their meditation and prayer. Most mandalas direct the viewer to travel mentally on a prescribed path, stopping to contemplate and address each figure depicted. This early Womb World (Taizō-kai) mandala is part of a pair that would have been displayed on opposite walls of a temple of Vajrayana (esoteric) Buddhism, representing different but equally viable approaches to enlightenment. The mate to this painting is currently on view in the Arts of Buddhism gallery.
Caption
Taizō-kai Mandara, 14th century. Opaque watercolor, ink and gold on silk, overall: 84 1/2 x 50 1/8 in. (214.6 x 127.3 cm); image: 46 11/16 x 38 7/8 in. (118.6 x 98.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Collection Fund, 21.240.2. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Title
Taizō-kai Mandara
Date
14th century
Period
Nanbokucho Period
Geography
Place made: Japan
Medium
Opaque watercolor, ink and gold on silk
Classification
Dimensions
overall: 84 1/2 x 50 1/8 in. (214.6 x 127.3 cm); image: 46 11/16 x 38 7/8 in. (118.6 x 98.7 cm)
Credit Line
Museum Collection Fund
Accession Number
21.240.2
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