Shinto-Buddhist Devotional Mandala / Uho Doji & Attendants, Medieval Shinto-Buddhist Syncretic Mandala
Antique Japanese spiritual art. Hand-painted Japanese hanging scroll (Kakejiku) beautifully illustrates the rare medieval doctrine of Shinbutsu-shūgō (the amalgamation of native Shinto kami and imported Buddhist deities).
The center of the mandala captures the enigmatic Uho Doji (雨宝童子), the "Rain-Making Youth"—celebrated in Ryobu Shinto tradition as an earthly manifestation of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu Omikami and the Cosmic Supreme Buddha Dainichi Nyorai (Great Sun Buddha).
Visual & Iconographic Breakdown
The Central Diety (Uho Doji): Standing majestically inside a vibrant red sun disc (Nisshin), the deity features a five-tiered Gorinto (Buddhist pagoda) balanced atop his head, cementing his cosmic identity as Dainichi Nyorai. His left hand gently cradles a flaming Nyoi Hoju (Wish-Fulfilling Jewel), while his right hand firmly grips a golden ritual staff.
The Guardians:
(Right): Seated in full Sokutai court attire wearing distinct fan-shaped Oikake ear ornaments, this guardian deity protects the sacred sphere with a ceremonial bow and a back-mounted quiver full of arrows (Ebira).
(Left): Civil Guardian Counter-balancing the warrior, a high-ranking court official/scholar god sits holding open a sacred text scroll or imperial declaration, representing the cosmic administration of law and wisdom.
The Sacred Text:
The accompanying calligraphic panels lay out the explicit lineage of creation: detailing the Kamiyo Nananoyo (Seven Generations of the Age of Gods) from Kuniyotoko-tachi no Mikoto down to Izanagi and Izanami, alongside the Chijin Godai (Five Generations of Earthly Gods), establishing the sacred descent down to human emperors.
Specifications
Shinto-Buddhist Devotional Mandala / Uho Doji & Attendants
Period: Mid - late Edo era 1750 - 1850
Medium: Ink, Pigments, and Gold Accents on Silk
Age/Period: Mid-to-Late Edo Period (mid 18th - early 19th Century)
Origin: Japan
Condition:
Overall State: authentic aging, consistent with historical temple/shrine items.
Surface: horizontal creasing, some surface wear, and natural toning of the paper. The pigments, red sun disc, and gold ornamentation remain remarkably bold and well-preserved. Please review all high-resolution photos carefully for fine details.
Dimentions: H 176 W 59 cm, weight 0.380 Kg
