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Wutaishan Foguang Temple East Hall: Manjusri Bodhisattva
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Wutaishan Foguang Temple East Hall: Manjusri Bodhisattva
CHINA, Shanxi, Xinzhou; Tang dynasty (618–907), dated 857; Clay; H: 3.5 m
The statue is located in the third bay on the northern side of the hall. Manjusri wears a crown decorated with a Buddha and holds a ruyi (wish-fulfilling talisman) with both hands. The figure is seated in the relaxation posture upon the back of a brightly painted lion with a ring in its nose. The creature 's mouth is agape, as if roaring, and it steps on four lotuses. The Bodhisattva 's clothing is decorated with cloud-like designs, while the turned back sleeves are shaped like flames.
A dark skinned, bearded keeper stands next to the lion and is dwarfed by its size. On the other side is a child with palms joined in reverence who is conventionally identified as Sudhana. |
