104 - A FINE TAIZOKAI (WOMB REALM) MANDARA WITH 414 DEITIES, EARLY EDO PERIOD

A FINE TAIZOKAI (WOMB REALM) MANDARA WITH 414 DEITIES, EARLY EDO PERIOD Japan, 17 th-18 th century, early Edo period (1615-1868) Ink, watercolors, gouache, and gold paint on silk. Mounted on silk brocade, framed behind glass. Finely painted to depict 414 deities arranged across the twelve courts of the Womb Realm, centered on an eight-petaled lotus with Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairochana) surrounded by four Buddhas and four bodhisattvas, the surrounding courts densely populated with buddhas, bodhisattvas, Wisdom Kings (myoo), guardians, and protective deities, all enclosed by a broad floral border. Image SIZE 93 x 74 cm, SIZE incl. frame 114.2 x 79.2 cm. Provenance: From a Belgian private collection. Condition: Good condition with old wear and generally well-preserved colors. Creasing and folds, scattered soiling and stains, rubbing and flaking to pigment with possible touchups, and several tears and losses to the brocade border. The back of the frame with extensive browning and foxing. The Taizokai mandara, or Mandala of the Womb Realm, gives visual expression to the central teachings of Esoteric Buddhism. At its center is Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairochana), surrounded by the other four of the Five Wisdom Buddhas and the Four Great Bodhisattvas. From this central lotus, the composition expands through eleven further courts populated by deities, myoo, and protective divinities, symbolizing the unfolding of Dainichi’s compassion throughout all realms of existence. Such mandaras were intended both for ritual use and contemplation. Museum comparison: Compare a closely related Taizokai mandara, late 17 th century, 128 x 112 cm, in the British Museum, registration number 1881,1210,0.59.JA. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related Taizokai Mandara (Mandala of the Womb World), 16 th-17 th century, 190.5 x 124.5 cm, at Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, 16 March 2021, New York, lot 7 (sold for USD 9,375 or approx. EUR 10,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).