Art
Japanese Mandalas: Emanations and Avatars
- When
June 18, 2009 – Nov 29, 2009
Daily
- Where
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Ave at 82nd St, 212.535.7710) Directions: Main Building: Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th Street and walk to Fifth Avenue; OR take the M1, M2, M3, or M4 bus along Fifth Avenue. The Cloisters: Take the A train to 190th Street and walk, or transfer to the M4 bus and ride north one stop.
- Price
- Free with museum admission
-
When Esoteric Buddhism was introduced to Japan from mainland China in the 9th century, it forever changed the visual landscape of Japanese art and religion. The rituals of Mikkyō Buddhism, or the “Secret Teachings,” as this newly imported religion was called, involve mandalas--arrestingly beautiful and fearsome images of the Buddhist universe and its myriad realms and deities. Japanese Mandalas: Emanations and Avatars, explores the art of Mikkyō Buddhism, from the models used to create these mandalas to the images they inspired.
Image: Womb World Mandala (Taizōkai Mandara). Kamakura period (1185-1333), 13th century. Brooklyn Museum. 21.240.2. Museum Collection Fund
