Chuguji Temple: Embroidery of Tenjukoku Mandala

JAPAN, Nara, Ikoma; Asuka period

The earliest embroidery in Japan, this mandala was made in the 7th century. When Prince Shotoku passed away in 622, Princess Tachibana no Oiratsume invited Moxian from China and Kasei from Korea to draft the image for the embroidery. Along with the Embroidery of the Buddha Teaching the Dharma at Vulture Peak kept at Nara National Museum, they are the best examples of traditional Japanese embroidery. It was listed as a National Treasure in 1952.
The embroidery illustrates a scene in which Prince Shotoku sees the Buddha after having been received into the Western Pure Land. He is shown pursuing his cultivation until the lotus flower blossoms. A number of images, including turtles, a jade rabbit on the moon, phoenixes, transformations from lotuses, lotuses, monastics, and a bell tower can be discerned. The turtles bear inscriptions and have been subjects of discussion among specialists. Inside the Buddha halls, there is a row of men and women together with five monastics, either seated or standing, reading sutras. The embroidery provides valuable information on the architecture, clothing, and customs of the time.