mandala BM-1939-0118.1

Period:Qing dynasty Production date:17thC-18thC
Materials:bronze, gold,
Technique:gilded, cast,
Subjects:deity symbol yi-dam horse/ass
Dimensions:Diameter: 13 centimetres (Closed) Diameter: 22 centimetres (Open) Height: 24.50 centimetres (Closed) Height: 25.60 centimetres (Open) Weight: 1.90 kilograms

Description:
Mandala. At the centre, a tutelary deity, Yi-dam, of buddha rank, locked in embrace with his prajna, or wisdom party. Twenty lesser divinities surround them, two or three on each petal, before circular drums or altars. The petals are incised outside with deities and emblems, including a horse, elephant, wheel, censer, ewer, staff, parasols, ribbon, canopies and jewels. Made of gilt bronze; cast as an articulated pomegranate
IMG


Comments:This is a Chinese Lamaist version of the earlier type of eastern Indian bronze mandala. For a 12th century example, see 1982. 8-4. 1 on display in the Eastern India Buddhist sculpture case in the Hotung Gallery. Zwalf 1985Resembling the eastern Indian bronze lotus ‘maṇḍala’, this Chinese Lamaist version is cast as an articulated pomegranate. At the centre is a tutelary deity, Yi-dam, of Buddha rank locked in embrace with his ‘prajñā’, or wisdom partner. Twenty lesser divinities surround them, two or three on each petal, before circular drums or altars. The petals are incised outside with deities and emblems, including a horse, elephant, wheel, censer, ewer, staff, parasols, ribbon, canopies and jewels.