This mandala is a ritual model that represents a divine space, typically, as here, visualised as a palace. Inside this protected space the deity, in this case the moon god Chandaroshana, appears with his consort. Three-dimensional mandalas such as this are external reminders of the mandalas visualised by Buddhist practitioners during religious ceremonies in which a deity is evoked and petitioned for help.
Physical description
Mandala of Chandaroshana. The mandala rests on a double base, chased and repoussé to represent the ocean of rebirth, the outer part of the upper base suggests a rampart of multiple crescent form (nine sections, each surmounted by a divinity). The mandala is a four walled enclosure, with four gates, above each of which appears a chakra flanked by two knealing gazelles. Inside the mandala are images of Chandaroshana and other Buddhist divinities.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Clarke, John; The New Robert H.N. Ho Family Foundation Galleries of Buddhist Art at the Victoria and Albert Museum,
Orientations; vol. 48. no. 5, September/October 2017, pp. 68, fig.9 and 9a.
Labels and date
Mandala of Chandaroshana (the Moon God)
1700–1800
During religious ceremonies, Buddhists often visualise a
protected, divine space known as a mandala. This threedimensional
mandala, used in rituals in Nepal and Tibet,
is an external reminder of an inner, visualised mandala.
It takes the form of a palace, in which the moon god
Chandaroshana appears with his consort when evoked
and petitioned for help.
Copper and partially gilded brass
Nepal or Tibet
Made by Nepalese craftsmen
Details
- Title : Mandala of Candaroshana
- Year : 18th century (made)
- Classification : Mandala/ Cultural objects
- Medium : Hammered copper and brass, parcel gilt
- Dimension : Height: 65 cm overall
- Accession No : IM.91:1 to 9-1936
- Country/ Geo-location : Nepal (made)
- Culture : Buddhism
- Period : 18th century
- Collection : Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A)
- Status : Buddhism, Room 17, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Galleries of Buddhist Art, case 3 []