Artwork
Iconographical Sketch (Zuzō) for the Benevolent Kings Sutra Mandala
Iconographical Sketch (Zuzō) for the Benevolent Kings Sutra Mandala is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1149 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
History & Provenance
The Iconographical Sketch (Zuzō) for the Benevolent Kings Sutra Mandala dates to 1149 and is classified as a religious painting by an unknown artist. It is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art under the accession number 1987.39. No information regarding its commission, earlier ownership, exhibition history, or chain of custody prior to acquisition is available in the sources.
Overview
It maps out a complex sacred space, populated by numerous figures meticulously arranged within a grid-like structure.
This "Iconographical Sketch (Zuzō) for the Benevolent Kings Sutra Mandala" serves as a detailed preparatory drawing. It maps out a complex sacred space, populated by numerous figures meticulously arranged within a grid-like structure. The composition suggests its function as a blueprint for a larger, more elaborate artwork or a ritualistic setting, guiding the placement and depiction of various deities and attendants.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing illustrates the intricate cosmic order associated with the Benevolent Kings Sutra, a significant Buddhist text. Its grid arrangement and clustered figures, some positioned as guardians and others floating, delineate a spiritual hierarchy and spatial organization. This sketch functions as a visual guide for understanding the complex iconography required for rituals or the creation of a full mandala, representing a sacred universe.
Technique & Style
Executed with precise draftsmanship, the sketch features numerous figures rendered with delicate, flowing lines that define their robes and forms. Many are depicted with halos encircling their heads and swirling clouds beneath their feet, indicating their divine status. The inclusion of specific attributes like staffs or flowers further identifies individual entities within this highly structured and detailed iconographical plan.
Artist & collection
