Deer Mandala
Artist/maker unknown, Japanese
Geography:
Made in Japan, Asia
Period:
Edo Period (1615-1868)Date:
17th centuryMedium:
Color on silk; mounted as a hanging scrollDimensions:
35 7/8 x 15 3/8 inches (91.2 x 39 cm) Mount: 62 13/16 x 20 1/8 inches (159.5 x 51.1 cm)Curatorial Department:
East Asian ArtObject Location:
2005-145-1Credit Line:
Purchased with the Hollis Fund for East Asian Art Acquisitions, the J. Stogdell Stokes Fund, and the George W.B. Taylor Fund, 2005
Made in Japan, Asia
Period:
Edo Period (1615-1868)Date:
17th centuryMedium:
Color on silk; mounted as a hanging scrollDimensions:
35 7/8 x 15 3/8 inches (91.2 x 39 cm) Mount: 62 13/16 x 20 1/8 inches (159.5 x 51.1 cm)Curatorial Department:
East Asian ArtObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:2005-145-1Credit Line:
Purchased with the Hollis Fund for East Asian Art Acquisitions, the J. Stogdell Stokes Fund, and the George W.B. Taylor Fund, 2005
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Deer are considered to be the sacred messengers of Shinto deities. They are often depicted in mandalas such as this one from the Kasuga Shrine, built by the powerful Fujiwara clan in the early eighth century to protect the family and the new capital city, Nara. Here a white stag rides on a cloud, symbolizing his role as a messenger between earth and the gods. On his saddle is a branch of the sacred sakaki tree and a mirror, which, along with the sword and the jewel, is one of the three sacred symbols of Shinto.
