Untitled

Unknown

12th century · Brass with traces of gilding and color · Asian Art

Manjushri and his counterpart, Prajnaparamita, the wisdom goddess, are understood as personifications of awakened knowledge. Both display the palm-leaf manuscript (pustaka) as their principal identifier. Manjushri wields a sword, symbolizing the cutting away of all impediments to enlightenment. Here the blade is missing, but the hilt is visible in the projecting hand.

Artist

Unknown

Date

12th century

Medium

Brass with traces of gilding and color

Culture

Tibet

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Roger Stoll, 1983