八髻文殊菩薩坐像|The Bodhisattva Monju (Manjushri) with Eight Topknots

Unknown

late 13th century · Gilt bronze · Asian Art

This miniature sculpture represents a distinctive form of the bodhisattva Monju, who personifies Buddhist wisdom. This iteration of the deity shows him with his hair coiffed into eight knots, corresponding to the number of syllables in a corresponding incantation. It probably once formed part of a decorative program for the mandorla (aureole) of a much larger sculpture.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 13th century

Medium

Gilt bronze

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Sue Cassidy Clark, in honor of Barbara Brennan Ford, 2019