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Manjushri
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
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.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineManjushri (文殊菩薩), c. 1500–1550. China, Ming dynasty (1368–1644). Hanging scroll, ink, color and gold on silk; 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.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund, 1989.67
