Artwork Page for Bodhisattva

Details / Information for Bodhisattva

Bodhisattva

mid-1200s

Japan, Kamakura period

(1185–1333)
Medium
wood with traces of lacquer, polychromy, and cut gold lear (kirikane)
Measurements
Overall: 64.8 cm (25 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 1983.18
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

A Bosatsu (Bodhisattva in Sanskrit) is a being that has attained enlightenment but has compassionately refrained from entering nirvana in order to save others. As an attendant of Buddha, Bosatsu assumes many forms, all of which are worshipped as deities in Japanese Buddhism.
A wood and lacquer sculpture depicts a seated Bodhisattva, a deity with elongated ears and hair gathered into a high bun. The figure sits with their left leg hanging and right leg tucked horizontally. They hold a lotus in their left hand and rest their right hand, palm up, on their knee. Traces of gold leaf remain on an intricate necklace. The dark, worn surface reveals wood grain beneath flowing robes.

Bodhisattva

mid-1200s

Japan, Kamakura period (1185–1333)

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