Nepal / 1400s
Bodhisattva of Wisdom (Manjushri)
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Bodhisattva of Wisdom (Manjushri) as sculpture (Nepal · 1400s).
The bodhisattva's short breeches are patterned in spiraling floral forms incised into the metal.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this sculpture as Gilt bronze with precious and semiprecious stones, gum tempera, and cold gold.
The museum's collection notes: This image depicts one of the main bodhisattvas, beings only one stage away from full enlightenment. Because the historical Buddha was a prince prior to his renunciation and life as a wandering ascetic, bodhisattvas are depicted as royal princes. This example has the sharp features, sweet expression, and crisp details characteristic of images made in Nepal during the 1400s. In his upraised right hand Manjushri holds the hilt of a sword that, like wisdom itself, metaphorically cuts through and defeats ignorance. His lower, rear left hand grasps a bow, once probably strung with a wire. Also missing is the arrow that he likely held in his lowere
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The Cleveland Museum of ArtBodhisattva of Wisdom (Manjushri)Original explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.