Bodhisattva of Wisdom (Manjushri)
Unknown Artist
1400s
Medium
gilded copper
Dimensions
42.4 × 16.5 cm
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
The Norweb Collection
Accession Number
1956.8
About this artwork
The youthful, princely form of Manjushri can be identified by the horizontal book on the lotus over his left shoulder. The book refers to the Buddhist teachings of ultimate knowledge (Prajnaparamita), and this bodhisattva is the male embodiment of the wisdom gained from understanding them. Manjushri is of special importance for Buddhists of Nepal, called Newari, who credit him with draining the water from Kathmandu Valley.