| Manichaean Diagram of the Universe | |
|---|---|
| Chinese: 摩尼敎宇宙圖, Japanese: マニ教宇宙図 | |
 | |
| Artist | Unknown |
| Year | 1271–1368 |
| Type | Hanging scroll, paint and gold on silk (shown digitally matched from three parts) |
| Dimensions | 158 cm × 60 cm (62 in × 24 in) |
| Location | Private collection in Japan |
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.[1]
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.[2]
- ^ Gulácsi, Zsuzsanna (2015). "Matching the Three Fragments of the Chinese Manichaean Diagram of the Universe". academia.edu. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
- ^ "Manichaeism cosmology painting found". japantimes.co.jp. Yukiko Ogasawara. 28 September 2010. Retrieved 22 November 2018.