Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Transcendent Wisdom
Unknown Artist
12th century
Medium
Brass with traces of gilding and color
Dimensions
H. 10 1/4 in. (26.1 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Culture
Tibet
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Roger Stoll, 1983
Accession Number
1983.554.2
Tags
Art Historical Context
Behold the serene figure of *Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Transendent Wisdom*, a exquisite 12th-century Tibetan sculpture standing just 10¼ inches tall. In Tibetan Buddhism, Manjushri profound insight and compassion, often depicted wielding a sword to sever ignorance and holding a sacred text symbolizing wisdom. Crafted by an unknown artist during a golden age of Himalayan art, this piece reflects the spiritual devotion of medieval Tibet, where such sculptures served as focal points for meditation and ritual in monasteries or private shrines. The medium—polished brass with faint traces of gi...