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Drepung Monastery Central Hall: Manjusri Bodhisattva
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Drepung Monastery Central Hall: Manjusri Bodhisattva
CHINA, Tibet, Lhasa; 14th–17th century; Gilt copper alloy; H: 250 cm
This 2.5 m high statue of Manjusri Bodhisattva is enshrined in the central hall of the Drepung Monastery. The Bodhisattva is depicted with stylized curly blue hair and a five-leaf crown that has ribbons extending outwards and banners hanging from it. The Bodhisattva has a wide forehead where the prominent urna is visibly above the arched eyebrows. Other facial features include large eyes, a straight nose, pursed lips, and a square chin. White ceremonial scarves obscure the mudra that the figure makes. The figure is seated on a high platform, in front of an ornate mandorla with a garuda guarding the apex and numerous other mythical creatures, including makaras at the sides. The mandorla is partly in relief and partly in repouss |
