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Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Japan
Accession Number
AS9-1971
Department
Asian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation
Physical description
Mandala in Sanskrit literally means ‘circle’ and in Hindu and Esoteric Buddhist traditions these images are sacred art objects used to depict teachings and philosophies. These two mandala have been produced in direct lineage from the revered ninth century Ryōkai Mandala (Two World Mandala) housed at Tō-ji temple, Kyoto. Representing the entire Buddhist cosmos, they are depictions of the spiritual universe and its myriad of realms and deities. Tazōkai (the Matrix World) is the world of physical phenomena. In this mandala, the Dainichi Buddha sits in the absolute centre with all of his physical manifestations, ranged in several courts, radiating outwards. In most cases Dainichi Buddha represents compassion or mercy; however, in places he appears as a fierce creature representing the Buddha’s ability to overcome evil.