Bodhisattva Manjushri

late 13th - 14th century

A bodhisattva is a Buddhist being that helps all living things on their path toward enlightenment, which is understood as awakening and escape from the cycle of suffering, death, and rebirth. Manjushri is the bodhisattva who embodies the wisdom of the Buddhas. Here, he holds his right hand downward with his palm facing outward. This is varada mudra, a gesture by which he offers the blessings of wisdom to all living beings.

Copper alloy with silver and turquoise

10 1/2 x 7 7/8 x 5 3/4 in. (26.67 x 20 x 14.61 cm)

Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection

70.62

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Now on view at the Asian Art Museum

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "Luminous: The Art of Asia", October 13, 2011 - January 8, 2012

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "A Bead Quiz", July 1, 2008 - July 1, 2009, (7/1/2008 - 7/1/2009)

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, Feb. 8, 2020 - ongoing.

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