National Treasures & Important Cultural Properties
of National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Japan

The Ichiji Kinrin Mandala is used as a principal Buddhist image of Ichiji Kinrin practiced for good health and respect. It was initially allowed only for the monks of To-ji Temple, however, it became a tradition of Ninna-ji Temple and Enshu-ji Temple after the late eleventh century (the mid Heian period). In addition, it was used for Daimitsu.

This painting is based on the following translation by Fukuu. “金剛頂経一字頂輪王瑜伽一切時処念誦成仏儀軌”（“時処軌”））. In short, Dainiki Kinrin having a halo with flame sits in the center on the lion pedestal while taking a Chikenin pose (the left index finger is grasped with the right hand) and a Rinpou (treasure wheel) is placed at the lower front and then Shippou (seven treasures) including Juhou, Mehou, Mehou, Zouhou, Shuzohou, Shuheihou and Butsugen-Butsumo are placed in a clockwise direction.

The Dainichi Kinrin image is drawn in deep red and painted in pale white and the Kumadori is applied in red. Theses features create the sharp looking appearance. The clothes are painted pale whitish brown and decorated with patterns created by Kirikane and colors. The clothing accessories are rich in decorative nature as gold foil, etc., are used. The use of deep, mainly warm colors creates a sense of elegance as well as some kind of power, which has become one of the allures of this painting.

In the background, the upper area is painted in ultramarine to express a void and the lower area is painted in ultramarine with Ishidatami patterns created with Kirikane.