Tianlongshan Cave 3: Manjusri Bodhisattva

CHINA, Shanxi, Taiyuan; Eastern Wei dynasty

Originally situated to the left of the west wall niche, this sculpture, together with the sculpture of Vimalakirti symmetrically located on the right side of the east wall, forms an illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra. Figures making offerings appeared near the north side of both walls, but they have unfortunately been removed. The Manjusri Bodhisattva sculpture and these other figures are now kept in the Harvard Art Museums in the United States.
The sculpture of Manjusri is slim and sits in full lotus position under a canopy decorated with triangular hanging drapes. A neck collar and the attire of a Bodhisattva are worn, including a stole hanging over the shoulders that crosses at the abdomen and drops down to the knees before folding back over the elbows. The arms are slightly raised in a gesture of debate. The robe hangs down in front of the throne.