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Yonghe Temple: Mandala of Mount Sumeru
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Yonghe Temple: Mandala of Mount Sumeru
CHINA, Beijing; Qing dynasty (1644–1911); Gilt silver; H: 35 cm
The mandala is made of gilt silver and represents the central mountain in Buddhist cosmology, Mount Sumeru. Together with eight mountains and eight seas, it forms the Sumeru world.
The round base is decorated with various patterns, such as keys, lotus petals, curled leaves, and a Tibetan inscription. At the center of the base stands Mount Sumeru, surrounded by 12 two-story palaces which are three bays wide and have verandas. Lotus petals decorate the spaces between Mount Sumeru and the Twelve Palaces. On top of the mountain, there is a palace with a double-eave pyramidal roof; it represents the Palace of Trayastrimsa Heaven, where Sakra resides. |
