Seated Manjusri Bodhisattva

Original Language Title鎏金銅文殊菩薩坐像

CultureChinese

Datelate 9th-10th century C.E.

MediumGilt bronze

DimensionsOverall: 5 5/8 × 2 7/8 inches (14.29 × 7.3 cm)

Credit LinePurchase: the Lillian M. Diveley Fund

Object number2000.23

InscribedTian Fo

On View

On view

Gallery Location

Collections

East Asian Art

Terms

DescriptionThe seated gilt bronze figure faces forward with both hands extended with palms upward. The right hand has the palm facing out in the "varada mudra" (gesture granting wishes). The left hand is holding a rectangular booklet with a two-character inscription. The seated figure's legs are crossed with the partially clothed right foot set upon the left knee ("virasana") and its sole facing upward. The head of the figure is adorned with an elaborate, multi-layered bejeweled crown with hanging decorations, many of which end in a fleur-de-lis like design. The hair is neatly parted above the figure's face at the center and the back of the hair retains the centered part while being systematically divided into six parts. The hair also is bound as chignons atop the figure's head demarcating "ushnisha." The hair and crown interact to create a detailed and multi-faceted head decoration. The skin of the figure's arms, shoulders, chest, and back is exposed except for the draping scarves. The figure is dressed in a "dhoti" that covers both legs and is secured by a knot. The chest is adorned with a two-strand necklace with large jewels while the elongated ears and biceps are also adorned with similar jewels.Provenance

Provenance

R. H. Ellsworth Ltd.;

Purchased from R. H. Ellsworth Ltd. by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 2000.

Published References

Alice Thorson, Chinese Buddhist Sculptures See New Light (Kansas City: The Kansas City Star, 2004) (repro.).

Deborah Emont Scott, ed., The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: A Handbook of the Collection, 7th ed. (Kansas City, MO: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 2008), 332, fig. 153 (repro.).

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