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Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Transcendent Wisdom

late 10th–early 11th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
Manjushri, with his jeweled tiger-claw necklace and elaborate headdress, is the celibate crown prince who will act as a Buddha and make his teachings (dharma) available. He has mastered skillful speech, used to convey the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths. He grasps the stem of a lotus that supported a now-lost text symbolizing prajna (insight and awareness) and the totality of Buddhist knowledge. This dramatic bronze draws on Kashmiri stylistic idioms, including a muscular physique, broad face, and patterned dhoti.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Transcendent Wisdom
  • Date: late 10th–early 11th century
  • Culture: Western Tibet
  • Medium: Brass with inlays of copper and silver
  • Dimensions: H. 27 1/4 in. (69.2 cm); W. 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm); D. 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm); Wt. 38 lbs. (17.2 kg)
    Mount dimensions: H. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm); W. 11 5/8 in. (29.5 cm); D. 7 3/8 in. (18.7 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by Asia Society, New York, Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.45
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art