Title: The Benzaiten Mandala, Circa 1500-1600. A Magnificently Painted and Illuminated Miniature Format Depiction of the Uga-Benzaiten, and the Goddess’ Children or Disciples
Condition: Good
A Late Muromachi to Azuchi-Momoyama Period, 16th Century small format painting of the Uga-Benzaiten Mandala, depicting a hybrid deity formed by the fusion of the Buddhist goddess Benzaiten and the Shinto deity Ugajin.
At the center is the goddess herself, seated atop the raised earth, in an elaborate gown and head dress, her eight arms bearing a bow, arrow, sword, ax, spear, storehouse key, long wand, wheel and wish granting jewel. Below are the Benzaiten’s 16 children/disciples.
It is rare to find smaller format religious paintings in this manner, and this is the first time I have ever seen a painting of the Uga-Benzaiten in this size. Normally, you would also see the goddess flanked by the deities Daikoku and Kishijoten. Despite its smaller format, it has been masterfully painted, with exceptional attention to detail, and meticulous gold leaf usage accentuating the goddess and highlighting the details of the disciples/children. I am reminded of the miniatures from a Book of Hours when studying this example.
One illuminated painting, 20.2 x 14.4 cm
This painting is in good shape, with wear and cracking to the painting, though there are no significant chips. There are several old repairs to the rear, and the painting has a distinctly musty smell, not having been stored well.