Qing Imperial Palace: Mandala of Mount Sumeru

CHINA, Beijing; Qing dynasty

The base of this mandala is bordered by a bead pattern at the top and bottom, while in between, there are floral patterns and the eight auspicious symbols. There is a ring to which a five-colored ceremonial scarf can be attached. Around the rim of the base is a portrayal of the Iron Ring Mountain Range.
A tower representing Mount Sumeru is at the center. The tower consists of a square truncated pyramid surmounted by a pavilion, and the lower portion has images of mountainous terrain followed by four plain horizontal panels. The pavilion is surrounded by a balustrade and has a square pyramidal roof with a jeweled spire. Samantabhadra Bodhisattva riding a white elephant is enshrined within the pavilion. Two round discs with the images of a rooster and a hare are suspended on wires on both sides symbolizing the sun and moon. The terrace surrounding Mount Sumeru contains various images.
The inscription says the Dalai Lama offered this mandala and a ceremonial scarf to the emperor.