Gakuenji Temple: One-Syllable Golden Wheel Mandala

JAPAN, Shimane, Izumo; Kamakura period

This mandala, used in the One-Syllable Golden Wheel ritual to pray for good health and protection from calamities, was listed as an Important Cultural Property in 1910.
Vairocana Buddha is in the center, seated in lotus position on a lotus throne supported by seven lions. The Buddha has white skin and most likely forms the bodhyangi (wisdom fist) mudra in front of the chest. The nimbus is painted with swirling colors, and the aureole is surrounded by flames. Both are contained within a red mandorla with a golden border. There is a parasol above the mandorla. In the center of the bottom register, a Dharma wheel surrounded by flames rests on a lotus. Above and below Vairocana, there are images of the seven treasures of the cakravartin, including the wheel, a jewel, a queen, a horse, an elephant, a minister, and a general, as well as an image of Buddhalocani. The delicate features and the slender build of the central figure suggest that this painting dates from early Kamakura period (1185–1333).