A RARE MANDARA OF THE GODAI KOKUZO BOSATSU, MOMOYAMA TO EARLY EDO Japan, 16th-17th century. The mandara mounted onto a hanging scroll, the central image executed in tempera and framed with a fine and elaborate brocade silk mounting. Depicted is the Godai Kokuzo Bosatsu, or five great Bodhisattvas, a manifestation of the Godai Nyorai (five great Buddhas), which are frequently shown on Japanese mandara (mandala) in the ancient sect of Shingon Buddhism, founded in the Heian period. At the four corners are vases painted in fine gold and with varying colors. Provenance: Parisian private collection. Condition: Overall in good condition, commensurate with age. The mounting with some minor tears, the image with minor crackling, scattered losses, and touch-ups. Dimensions: Size inc. Mounting 172 x 101 cm, Image size 101 x 84 cm. The center, as always, shows Hokkai Kokuzo, who is surrounded by four further Bodhisattva, representing a direction and each seated on a lotus throne in mediation, mounted on an animal, wearing a crown, holding a scepter, and surrounded by a mandorla. The center shows the white-skinned Hokkai Kokuzo seated on a Buddhist lion (shishi) and holding a lotus flower surmounted by three tama (wish-fulfilling jewels). Above him and representing the West is the red-skinned Kongo Kokuzo holding a lotus flower and seated on a peacock. To the right and representing the North is the blue-skinned Gyoyu Kokuzo holding a double vajra and seated on a garuda. Below the central figure and representing the East is the yellow-skinned Renge Kokuzo holding a vajra and a tama and seated on an elephant. To the right and representing the West is the green-skinned Hoko Kokuzo holding a tama and seated on a horse. There is a set of Godai Kokuzo Bosatsu at Kanchiin in the Toji Temple in Kyoto brought from Tang China in 847 where the figures are seated on a lion, elephant, horse, peacock and garuda respectively. Another set of five images at the Jingo-ji temple in Kyoto are seated on lotus pedestals and date from the mid-9th century. This latter set is a designated national treasure.