Japanese Mandala #15 - Free Coloring Page

At the center, a six-petaled flower surrounds a small circle and radiates fine straight lines like a stylized sun. A ring of scrolling clouds and wave arabesques surrounds it. Further out, a band alternates six Japanese folding fans and six five-lobed maple leaves. The outer band is divided into sectors of Greek-key meander and eight-pointed stars, closed by a thick double black circle.

This mandala coloring page pairs simple surfaces - the center's petals and rays - with intricate zones: the cloud scrolls, waves, key-pattern meander and fan motifs all call for a steady, precise line. The stars and outer circle, already black, need no coloring. The center suits a beginner, the border a more practiced colorist; allow two to three hours for the whole piece.

Start with the central flower to warm up, then move outward to the meander-and-fan band, the finest part of the drawing, using a sharpened pencil or a fine liner rather than a broad marker. For this printable mandala, print at A3 on paper of at least 200 gsm so the tightest lines stay legible.