headdress consisting of five sections attached together with leather bands; openwork decorations on each section decorated with one of the five dhyani bodhisattvas; above each figure is a roundel bearing a sacred emblem such a three jewels, crossed 'vajras,' the wheel of the law, the lotus and the sword

Ritual crown (diadem), 18th century

Unknown artist, expand_more

Buddhist priests and monks wear crowns, or diadems, like this during certain religious ceremonies, especially priestly initiation rites. One of the Five Cosmic Buddhas decorates each panel, which are arranged as on a mandala, or cosmic diagram. On the far left, Amoghasiddhi (green) represents north, and on the far right, Ratnasabhava (yellow) represents south. Vairochana, the white deity and principal cosmic buddha, presides over the center with a gesture of exposition. When crowned and seated in the proper direction, the priest creates and enters a living mandala.

Details
Title
Ritual crown (diadem)
Role
Artist
Accession Number
98.52
Curator Approved

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headdress consisting of five sections attached together with leather bands; openwork decorations on each section decorated with one of the five dhyani bodhisattvas; above each figure is a roundel bearing a sacred emblem such a three jewels, crossed 'vajras,' the wheel of the law, the lotus and the sword