Usnisacakra Mandala

JAPAN; Heian period

Thought to be the oldest Usnisacakra Mandala in Japan, it was listed as an Important Cultural Property in 1978. In the center of the upper register, Sakyamuni Buddha sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne within a white moon disc. Below, Vairocana is shown in a similar pose within a red sun disc that rests atop a rock in the ocean. Sakyamuni wears a white robe patterned with gold lines. His hands form the dhyana (mediation) mudra and support a Dharma wheel. Six more Dharma wheels are arranged within the moon disc, and one is painted above Sakyamuni’s nimbus. The Buddha wears a tall golden headdress and likely forms the bodhyangi (wisdom fist) mudra. There is a small Dharma wheel above Vairocana’s feet and a larger one on the front of the lotus throne. The treasures of a cakravartin, including a Dharma wheel, elephant, horse, jewel, queen, minister, and general, rest on rocks and clouds around Vairocana. Fierce creatures with multiple heads stand on blue clouds in the lower corners. Peony flowers are painted above the creature on the right.