Taima Mandala, early 14th century
Unknown Japaneseexpand_more
Ink, color, gold, and cut gold leaf (kirikane) on silkexpand_more
Gift from Mary Griggs Burke in memory of Jackson Burkeexpand_more 85.9
On View in Gallery 333expand_more
This mandala represents Amida Buddha's Western Paradise or Pure Land, where the souls of fervent believers are reborn to continue their quest for spiritual enlightenment free from the difficulties associated with life on earth. In the center, Amida sits beneath a jeweled canopy surrounded by a host of other deities and worshippers. His splendid palaces are in the background and the sky is filled with flying deities and heavenly musicians. Amida faces a pond where the souls of the deceased are reborn on lotus blossoms.
According to tradition, the first Japanese mandala of Amida's paradise was painted in the eighth century and has been preserved in the collection of Taima-dera temple near Nara. As worship of Amida became increasingly popular in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, numerous copies were produced. Accordingly, this painting and others like it are referred to as Taima Mandala.
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Details
- Title
- Taima Mandala
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 85.9
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Murase, Art through a Lifetime, no. 4
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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