Manjushri

Description

A Chinese artist's interpretation of an Indo-Nepalese throne surrounds the white figure of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom. Chinese textiles and jewels drape fluidly over the body, the red lower garment offering a contrast to the abundance of malachite green that dominates the composition. Swirling clouds of variegated hues around the periphery add to the mystical, almost magical mood of this iconic figure. His hands are in the gesture of imparting the Buddhist teachings, while his posture and expression reveal that wisdom can be perceived through the practice of yogic meditation.

Provenance

(Ulrich von Schroeder [b. 1943], Zürich, Switzerland, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art) (?–1989); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1989–)

Manjushri

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c. 1500–1550

Accession Number

1989.67

Medium

Hanging scroll, ink, color and gold on silk

Dimensions

Painting: 124.8 x 107.3 cm (49 1/8 x 42 1/4 in.); Overall: 314.2 x 111.2 cm (123 11/16 x 43 3/4 in.); Overall with knobs: 314.2 x 122.8 cm (123 11/16 x 48 3/8 in.)

Classification

Painting

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund