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| Bodhisattva Manjushri Seated on a Lion |
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| India, Bihar or Bengal; Pala period (c.8th - 12th century), mid - 11th century |
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| Gilt copper alloy with inlays of silver and copper |
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| H. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm) |
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| Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection of Asian Art |
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| 1979.035 |
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| Manjushri is the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, a deity who symbolizes the transcendent wisdom and knowledge that are required to attain enlightenment. He can be recognized by his lion mount and by the small book, a symbol of his wisdom, which rests on the lotus above his left shoulder. The lotus next to his right shoulder, now broken off, once supported Manjushri's flaming sword of knowledge. With this weapon, Manjushri fights the ignorance that prevents a devotee from reaching enlightenment. The small size of this image suggests that it was a personal object of devotion. |
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