Chandra Mandala Painting

The Chandra Mandala is shaped liked a lotus, with Chandra depicted at its centre, seated in his chariot driven by Ambara and drown by seven geese. Both these figures are depicted in armoured jackets, multi-coloured dhotis and an alaborate crown. In addition, Chandra wears a pair of yellow boots. The two green female figures shooting arrows into the darkness are likely to be the moon gods concerts Kanti and Shova. The lotus/mandala’s white pericarp is encircled by eight petals which are trimmed with five coloured flames. Each of the petals contains the image of one of the navagrahas (nine planet) with chandra in the centre representing in the 9th planet. As the iconography of the navagrahas is subject to a great deal of variation, it is only possible to make a tentative identification. However, they are likely to be Sanischara (Saturn) on a tortoise, the blue Rahu (the waning moon) standing amidst flames, the many headed Ketu (the waxing moon) depicted with a serpent’s tail, Surya (Sun) on a horse, Angara (Mars) on a bull, Buddha (Mercury) on a lotus, Brihaspati (Jupiter) on an elephant and Janma (Venus) on a lotus. In each of the four corners beyond the Mandala are representations of the bodhisattva Manjushree. Each 0f these manifestations are flanked by two of the Eight Auspicious Symbols. The whole ensemble is set against a background of green scrolling vines typical of the second half of the 15th century. The upper border has similar scrolling foliage as a background to the five transcendental Buddhas flanked by two bodhisattvas. The latter both hold Lotus blossoms, but that unfortunately, does not help with their identification. The lower border is divided into three cartouches, with at the centre Acala brandishing a sword and flanked by two female deities and the elephant and the jewel of the treasures of the chakravartin. To the left are the vajracharya and donor, while the right cartouche contains additional members of the donor’s family.

Painting:Stone Pigment on Canvas

Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:14.6 W x 21.7 H x 0 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.