Mandala

CHINA; Qing dynasty

This mandala was used by the imperial family during the rule of Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty.
The round base is decorated with a flame pattern. At the center of the mandala is a square platform with golden stairways on all four sides. Blue enamel walls decorated with vajras, lotuses, and a vine pattern appear on both sides. On the platform, there is a building with a flat roof supported by square columns. There is a door at the center of the building decorated with colored cloisonné enamel. There are golden banners and canopies on the flat roof, as well as a two-tier pagoda supported by a Sumeru-shaped lotus base. The first tier is octagonal with a flat base, a balustrade, and wind chimes hanging from the corners of the eaves. The second tier is square. The finial consists of a horizontal crescent moon, sun, and flaming jewel.