Bodhisattva of Wisdom (Manjusri) with His Consort Prajna

Bodhisattva of Wisdom (Manjusri) with His Consort Prajna

1571
Country
Nepal
Object
sculpture
Medium
Gilt bronze and semi-precious stones
Accession Number
1972.127
Credit Line
Gift of Irene Littledale Downs
Bodhisattva of Wisdom (Manjusri) with His Consort Prajna. 1571. Gilt bronze and semi-precious stones. Gift of Irene Littledale Downs. 1972.127.
Dimensions
height: 7.75 in, 19.6850 cm
Inscription
Characters around bottom edge of base of throne.
Department
Arts of Asia
Collection
Arts of Asia
This object is currently on view
Bodhisattva of Wisdom (Manjusri) with His Consort Prajna Nepal 1571, Malla period Gilt bronze Gift of Irene Littledale Downs 1972.127 The Bodhisattva Manjusri plays an especially important role in Nepal. Legend tells how with his sword he cut a gorge to drain the Kathmandu valley of water. Manjushri is shown with his consort to symbolize the abstract Buddhist concepts of upaya and prajna (the method by which ignorance is removed and the means by which this is accomplished). This message is reinforced by the sword of wisdom and Prajnaparamita Sutra that he holds in his top right and bottom left hands respectively. An inscription along the base dates this piece to 1571.
Known Provenance
At least 1972, Irene Littledale Downs [b. 1911, d. 1986]; 1972, DAM collection, gift of Irene Littledale Downs.

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