Monju (Manjusri)
- DATE:
- 1336–1392
- MATERIAL AND TECHNIQUE:
- Ink, color, gold on silk
- CLASSIFICATION:
- Screens and Scrolls
- DIMENSIONS:
- Overall: 71 1/2 x 25 in. (1 m 81.61 cm x 63.5 cm)
- DEPARTMENT:
- Arts of Asia
- LOCATION:
- Not On View
- CREDIT LINE:
- Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Art Association Purchase
- COPYRIGHT:
- Image courtesy Dallas Museum of Art
- OBJECT NUMBER:
- 1970.8
General Description
This highly stylized image from esoteric Buddhist iconography represents the youthful bodhisattva Manjushri, embodiment of highest wisdom. His emblems are a book and a sword. The book, symbolizing Buddhist holy texts, rests on a lotus blossom; the flaming sword symbolically cleaves the darkness of ignorance. The striding lion represents Manjushri's physical strength and energy as complement to his wisdom. An adoring child attendant stands at the left, while an alert guardian king is at right.
Adapted from
Label text, 2015.