Mandala of Mount Sumeru

CHINA; Qing dynasty

A representation of Mount Sumeru, which in Buddhist cosmology is the central mountain surrounded by eight mountains and eight seas, this mandala consists of two tiers. The upper tier consists of three concentric bands with a Dharma wheel at the center, and the lower tier is decorated with the eight auspicious symbols in repoussé against a bas-relief of leaves. Immediately below the rim is a ring of gemstones in various colors. The bands of the upper tier are decorated with Buddhist symbols bordered by gemstones. The Dharma wheel is inlaid in the center of an openwork lotus petal that is supported by a lotus. The wheel has a hub made of a pearl and eight spokes, and is surrounded by a scroll leaf pattern.