The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 25, 2024

Bodhisattva of Wisdom (Manjushri)

Bodhisattva of Wisdom (Manjushri)

1400s
gilded copper
Overall: 42.4 x 16.5 cm (16 11/16 x 6 1/2 in.)
The Norweb Collection 1956.8
Location: 237 Himalayan

Description

The youthful, princely form of Manjushri can be identified by the horizontal book on the lotus over his left shoulder. The book refers to the Buddhist teachings of ultimate knowledge (Prajnaparamita), and this bodhisattva is the male embodiment of the wisdom gained from understanding them. Manjushri is of special importance for Buddhists of Nepal, called Newari, who credit him with draining the water from Kathmandu Valley.
  • ?–1956
    Mrs. R. Henry [Emery May Holden] Norweb [1895–1984], Cleveland, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    1956–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • The Cleveland Museum of Art. The Cleveland Museum of Art Handbook. Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1958. Mentioned and Reproduced: cat. no. 757 archive.org
    The Cleveland Museum of Art. Handbook of the Cleveland Museum of Art/1966. Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1966. Reproduced: p. 234 archive.org
    The Cleveland Museum of Art. Handbook of the Cleveland Museum of Art/1969. Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1969. Reproduced: p. 234 archive.org
    The Cleveland Museum of Art. Handbook of the Cleveland Museum of Art/1978. Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1978. Reproduced: p. 297 archive.org
    Reedy, Chandra L. Himalayan Bronzes: Technology, Style, and Choices. Newark: University of Delaware Press, 1997. Mentioned: p. 240, fig. N279
  • Dieux et Demons de L'Himalaya: Art du Bouddhisme Lamaique (Gods and Demons of the Himalayas: Art of Lama Buddhism). Musée National des Arts Asiatiques - Guimet, Paris, France (organizer) (March 22-July 4, 1977); Haus der Kunst, Munich, Munich, Germany (August 5-October 16, 1977).
  • {{cite web|title=Bodhisattva of Wisdom (Manjushri)|url=false|author=|year=1400s|access-date=25 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1956.8