Category:

Prefecturally Designated Tangible Cultural Property (Painting)

Title:

Kenpon chakushoku ryogai mandara

Colored Silk Mandala of the Two Realms
絹本着色両界曼荼羅

No. of features:

Two

Designated:

March 20, 1958

Location:

1-36-2 Yoshinocho, Kita Ward

Owner:

The religious juridical person of Seijoin Temple

Description:

Mandalas are Buddhist paintings and representations of the various Buddhas enshrined above altars, the state of the world in which enlightenment is attained, or the merits and other blessings that appear in this state of enlightenment.

The origin of this mandala is unknown, but it is said to have been moved from the long-since abandoned Sanmyoin Temple (present Kombacho, Kita Ward) to Seijoin Temple, where it has been protected ever since. The pair of mandalas are 95cm tall and 76cm across. One depicts the Diamond Realm and the other the Womb Realm. Images of approximately 1,800 buddhas as well as various implements used in esoteric Buddhist rituals are painted on the silk in rich color. Although the surface of the painting has begun to peel, the design and the silk indicate that it was produced in the early Nambokucho period (1336-1392). It is believed that the paintings were retouched sometime during the Muromachi period (1336-1573).

Associated Texts:

(1959). “Cultural Properties in Omiya” (vol.1). Omiya Municipal Board of Education.

(1965). “Cultural Properties in Omiya”. Omiya Municipal Board of Education.

(1986). “Cultural Properties in Omiya” (vol. 2). Omiya Board of Education.

(1963). “Survey Report on Saitama Prefecture’s Designated Cultural Properties” (vol. 2). Saitama Prefectural Board of Education.

This cultural property is not available for public viewing.

Inquiries (Japanese only)

Cultural Heritage Preservation Division, Department of Lifelong Learning, Board of Education Secretariat　

TEL：048-829-1723 FAX：048-829-1989

https://www.city.saitama.jp/004/005/006/001/017/011/002/p000156.html