The Bija A, representing Vairocana (Dainichi)

A hanging scroll shows a Sanskrit letter set within a pale circle above a pink lotus blossom on a dark ground, framed by bands of patterned brocade and a column of small inscriptions at the upper left. Gold and color on silk give the central form a soft glow, and the mounting is a warm rust-brown.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 14th-early 15th century

Medium

Color and gold on silk

Source

Smithsonian (National Museum of Asian Art)

Size

1275 × 4000 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Asian Art