Mandala of the Diamond World
(Kongōkai mandara 金剛界曼荼羅)
(15th century-16th century)

JAPANESE

Medium: opaque watercolour and gold paint on silk
Measurements: 218.3 × 180.3 cm (image and sheet)
Place/s of Execution: Japan
Accession Number: AS10-1971
Department: Asian Art
Credit Line: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1971
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation
Gallery location: Not on display
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. Kongōkai (the Diamond World) represents the world of the transcendental Buddha. It is called the Diamond World because it embodies a crystal clear and solid truth of the universe. Dainichi Buddha’s paramount importance is expressed by his position in the centre of each of the nine groupings of lesser Buddha that represent aspects of his infinite wisdom.

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