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

The Mandala of the Supreme Uṣṇīṣa Buddhas (J. Sonshō Mandara) is the principal image in the Sonshō Ritual to pray for alleviating disaster and increasing wealth. This one’s composition largely aligns with esoteric ritual protocols. The large central circle is divided by ritual implements, and the buddha Dainichi (Skt. Mahāvairocana) is in the center surrounded by the Eight Deities of the Buddha’s Crown (Uṣṇīṣa Buddhas). The Wisdom King Fudō (Skt. Acala) is in a triangle of red light to the viewer’s lower left, and the Wisdom King Gozanze (Skt. Trailokyavijaya) is in a crescent moon to the lower right. The mandala’s details, however, are distinct and create a dynamic sense of space. These elements include the flower vases drawn along the circumference of the large circle that all face upward, even protruding from the circle, and the emphasized sense of flight in the arrangement of the celestial beings (shudaeten) soaring on clouds in the upper section. The deities have oval faces, slender bodies and gentle facial expressions. Additionally, the extensive use of ornate techniques, like gradated bands (ungen) to form shading, and elegant coloration are styles from the height of Buddhist painting in the late Heian period (794–1185). The depiction has some weaker aspects as well, however, that suggest it dates to the mid-Kamakura period (1185–1333).