Overview

This mandala features Enma (Yama), the King of Hell, holding a staff mounted with a human head in his right hand and sitting on a bull. The dynamic brush lines indicate a new style used in the Kamakura period, however decorative designs such as the serpentine lines (tatewaku) and lotus floral scrolls, as well as the cut gold leaf on the garments and flowing scarves are reminiscent of earlier stylistic trends. The pigmentation, carefully applied to the fine silk, is vivid and clear, and gold foil applied from the back was also used to decorate the dress, bodies, and belongings of the figures;