The Takao Mandala
The Two World Mandalas in Gold and Silver on Purple Twill (Takao Mandala) (紫綾金銀泥絵両界曼荼羅図〈（高雄曼荼羅）〉) is a pair of Heian-period hanging scrolls of the Two World mandalas held by Jingoji in Umegahata Takao-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, and designated a National Treasure on March 20, 1954. It is popularly known as the Takao Mandala.
According to Jingoji, it is painted solely in gold and silver pigment (powdered metal bound with glue) on reddish-purple twill silk woven with a pattern of flowers and phoenixes, and is the oldest surviving large-scale mandala.
Why It Is a National Treasure
Jingoji explains that no record or dedication describes how it was made, but a source cited in the temple's chronicle calls it a vow of Emperor Junna, so work is thought to have begun in the Tencho era (824 to 834). The temple notes the light, lively lines drawn under Kukai's guidance and sees in them the fine tradition of Tang painting.
Its value lies in depicting the deities of both worlds with gold and silver lines alone on a purple ground, without colour, and in being the oldest surviving large mandala. The temple's commentary also cites the scholar Tamura Ryusho, who links its skill to techniques accumulated in the Nara period and suggests painters from around Todaiji were involved.
What to Look For
Look closely at the gold and silver lines on the purple silk. Distinguishing each deity by line alone, without colour, shows the quality of esoteric Buddhist painting in Kukai's time.
Its history is eventful. According to Jingoji, as the temple declined in the time of the cloistered emperor Toba it was taken out, passed from Ninnaji to the treasury of Rengeoin (today's Sanjusangendo), and was given by Go-Shirakawa to Mount Koya in the Juei era (1182 to 1184). In 1184 it was returned to Jingoji through the efforts of the monk Mongaku.
Seeing the Mandala
According to Jingoji's annual events listing, the temple holds its mushiharai airing of treasures in the shoin from May 1 to 5 each year. Mushiharai is the custom of airing treasures to protect them from insects, and treasures are shown to the public on this occasion. What is displayed varies from year to year, so check with the temple. Jingoji's website is served over http, and its https version could not be reached on October 4, 2026.
Jingoji is about 50 minutes from JR Kyoto Station by JR Bus on the Takao-Keihoku Line, or about 45 minutes from Hankyu Karasuma or subway Shijo Station by city bus No. 8; from the Takao stop it is about 20 minutes on foot, according to the temple. By car it is about 6 kilometres from the Fukuoji intersection on Route 162 toward Takao and Keihoku. Traffic can lengthen the journey.
Q&A
- What is the Takao Mandala?
- A pair of Two World mandalas painted only in gold and silver on purple twill silk, described by Jingoji as the oldest surviving large mandala.
- When was it designated a National Treasure?
- On March 20, 1954.
- When was the Takao Mandala made?
- No record survives, but work is thought to have begun in the Tencho era (824 to 834).
- Did the Takao Mandala ever leave Jingoji?
- Yes. In Toba's time it passed to Ninnaji, Rengeoin's treasury and Mount Koya, before Mongaku had it returned in 1184.
- Can I see the Takao Mandala?
- Jingoji airs and shows treasures from May 1 to 5 each year, but what is displayed varies; check with the temple.
- 紫綾金銀泥絵両界曼荼羅図 (Cultural Heritage Online)
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/125304
Basic Information
| Name | Two World Mandalas in Gold and Silver on Purple Twill (Takao Mandala) (紫綾金銀泥絵両界曼荼羅図〈（高雄曼荼羅）〉) |
|---|---|
| Location | Umegahata Takao-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture (Jingoji) |
| Designation | National Treasure (Fine Arts and Crafts: Painting) |
| Year Designated | National Treasure 1954/3/20 (Showa 29) |
| Quantity | 2 hanging scrolls |
| Dimensions | Not recorded |
| Owner | Jingoji |
| Public Access | Display at the annual treasure airing (May 1 to 5) varies by year |
References
- 紫綾金銀泥絵両界曼荼羅図〈（高雄曼荼羅）〉 (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/201/106
- 紫綾金銀泥絵両界曼荼羅図 (Cultural Heritage Online)
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/125304
Last verified: 2026.10.04