Monju (Bodhisattva Manjusri) Crossing the Sea was created in the 13th – 14th century during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) in Japan. Monju sits on lotus base mounted onto the saddle of a lion. In his right hand, Monju holds a sword, which he uses to protect against the ignorance and evil, and in his left hand he holds a sutra atop a lotus flower. Sutra is sacred Buddhist scripture, that contains important religious teachings and practices. It is said that in this scroll, Monju is descending from Buddhist paradise to earth.
In the scroll, we see Monju, the bodhisattva of wisdom, intelligence, and willpower. Around the time the scroll was made, Zen Buddhism was being practiced heavily in Japan. Zen Buddhism teaches that enlightenment is found through the realization that one is already an enlightened being. This practice emphasizes simplicity and the importance of the natural world and artistic sense.
Monju Crossing the Sea was created during the Kamakura period which was a time governed by the Kamakura Shogunate. The Minamoto family took over Japan after defeating the Taira Clan in the Gempei War. Minamoto Yoritomo established a new government, the Kamakura Bakufu. The new government was organized in a simpler way and was more efficient than the previous structure. This period was best known for its establishment of the samurai. Samurai were the military rulers in early Japan. Samurai armor was made out of leather and iron. Their primary source of weapons was bows and arrows. When not in use, the armor would be put on display for guests to see and admire.
Image 1: Silk Japanese Flag
Image 2: Buddha
Image 3: Monju (Bodhisattva Manjursi) Crossing the Sea, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Image 4: Monju on Lion Japan (Sculpture), Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
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Monju Scroll: Scroll Through the Past