Wenshu Bodhisattva (Manjushri) (Translation)
铜鎏金觀音菩薩坐像 明永樂 (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
An imitation of the Tibetan prototype, this statue shows Wenshu, an enlightened being and a disciple of the historical Buddha, sitting on a lotus pedestal. One hand is raised holding a jewel, while the other holds a lotus spray, surmounted by a sutra. He wears a crown with five panels, a symbol of the Tibetan Buddhist concept of the Five Wisdoms. The base is incised with a six-character inscription that translates to “Respectfully made in the Yongle year of the Great Ming.”
Emperor Yongle maintained close relationships with Tibetan Buddhist monastic rulers. He ordered the construction of Lama temples in Beijing and other parts of the country and the production of new Buddhist images similar to this statue, which was either an altarpiece or a gift to Lamas and diplomats.
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
