A RARE HOSHI MANDARA, MUROMACHI PERIODJapan, 15th-16th century, Muromachi period (1336-1573)Mounted onto silk brocade and supported by a wooden frame, the central image neatly executed in tempera, ink and gilt on paper. Set inside a vintage frame, behind glass. Depicted is Ichijikinrin Butcho, who usually takes the form of Shaka Kinrin (Shaka of the Golden Wheel). The Shaka Kinrin is a manifestation of Shaka Buddha (the historical Buddha), in which he holds a golden wheel in his hands, with the wheel resting on the knees and the hands forming the Hokkai Join Mudra (dharma-real meditation mudra). The Shaka Kinrin is surrounded by the twelve constellations or zodiacs in the intermediate frame, followed by the twenty-eight houses in the outermost frame.SIZE 90 x 50.5 cm (image only), 119.5 x 67 cm (total)Condition: Good, worn condition with some old wear, minor stains and soiling, possibly some minor re-touching, minimal losses and creases. Traces of use and wear to mounting.Provenance: Old French private collection.The Star Mandala (Japanese: Hoshi Mandara) is unique to Japan and is created for use in both Shingon and Tendai rituals relating to stellar deities, which were also incorporated into the pantheons of these Buddhist schools. In these mandaras, the central Buddha figure is surrounded by squares or circles representing stars, within which are both peaceful and wrathful deities. Star worship never became a part of mainstream Buddhist practice in Japan, but these rare mandalas reveal an early Japanese integration of sophisticated astrological practices into Buddhist beliefs and art, created over several hundred years with tremendous artistry and precision. Museum comparison:Compare a related Hoshi Mandara in the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, dated 18