Kojimadera Temple: Mandalas of the Two Realms

JAPAN, Nara, Takaichi; Heian period

These two Heian period mandalas depict the Womb Realm and the Diamond Realm. They are also known as the Kojima Mandalas, named after Kojimadera Temple. Listed as a National Treasure in 1953, they are illustrated with gold and silver on dark blue silk. According to records from Kojimadera Temple, the royal palace gave the mandalas to the monk Shinko for successfully treating the illness of Emperor Ichijo (reigned 986–1011).
The two mandalas are each made of seven pieces of silk stitched together. The images are primarily drawn in gold with some added silver detailing. Both mandalas have beautifully intricate symmetrical layouts. The individual figures are depicted with exquisite patterned nimbuses and mandorlas. Vajras and floral patterns surround the groups of figures. The decorative style of the Heian period (794–1185) is clearly reflected from the well-preserved images.