Manichaean Diagram of the Universe

The Manichaean Diagram of the Universe (Chinese: 摩尼教宇宙圖; Japanese: マニ教宇宙図) is a Yuan dynasty silk painting describing the cosmology of Manichaeism, in other words, the structure of universe according to Manichaean vision. The painting in vivid colours on a silk cloth (originally measuring approximately 158 by 60 centimetres) survives in three parts, whose proper relation to one another and digital reconstruction (shown here) was published by Zsuzsanna Gulácsi.

Manichaean Diagram of the Universe
Chinese: 摩尼敎宇宙圖, Japanese: マニ教宇宙図
ArtistUnknown
Year1271–1368
TypeHanging scroll, paint and gold on silk (shown digitally matched from three parts)
Dimensions158 cm × 60 cm (62 in × 24 in)
LocationPrivate collection in Japan

The painting was discovered by Yutaka Yoshida with his research team in 2010, and identified as a depiction of the cosmos according to the Manichaean religion. According to the team, this piece of art was probably produced by a painter from southern China (Zhejiang or Fujian province) around the period of Yuan dynasty, which ruled China from 1271 to 1368; and the only painting currently known that covers Manichaeism's cosmologic view in complete form. How and when it was transferred to Japan is a mystery.

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