Monju Bosatsu (Bodhisattva Manjusri) Riding a Lion (Translation)
文殊菩薩騎獅像 鎌倉-室町時代 絹本着色 (Primary Title)
hanging scroll (Object Name)
Unknown (Artist)
In lavish color, gold, and fine lines, this painting shows Monju, bodhisattva of wisdom, seated on a lion and descending to earth from the Buddhist heavenly paradise. Monju holds his two attributes: a sword to protect against ignorance and evil and a lotus surmounted by Buddhist texts. Monju is often paired with Fugen, as in the sculpture displayed on the platform in this gallery.
This painting demonstrates the exquisite technique of cut-gold leaf (kirikane), a process practiced as early as the Heian period. In this technique, gold or silver foil, cut into various tiny patterns, are used to decorate either paintings or sculptures. The intricate gold leaf in this painting is applied on Monju's garments and the sutrato represent the radiant light that emanated from the deity his sacred object.
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