Mandala of Kalacakra

CHINA; Qing dynasty

This mandala was cast as a lotus flower with eight petals, which are incised with a Dharma wheel and other auspicious items, and decorated with cloud patterns.
The lotus petals close to form a pomegranate-shape lotus bud, and open to reveal the Kalacakra Mandala. At the center of the mandala, there is an image of Kalacakra with three faces, three eyes, and 16 arms. He wears a skull crown and ornaments. Each hand holds a different Dharma instrument. Having a wrathful appearance, he is locked in embrace with his wisdom consort. Twenty Dharma-protecting generals surround them, two or three on each petal, before circular altars. They are depicted wearing crowns and stoles, and holding different objects.
The whole structure is supported by an octagonal stem on a round base. There are scroll leaves incised with a variety of emblems, including a horse, elephant, wheel, incense burner, vessel, staff, parasols, ribbon, canopies, and jewels.